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Below is a Summary of Typical Scope of Work on Combined Cycle Power Plants

Gas Burners

  • If piping is being stripped for repair/ replacement or valve repair/replacement, there may be SMART scope for the lagging. Much of your small bore pipe, 8” outside diameter (O.D.) of insulation or smaller, will likely be .016” lagging (but it could be thicker and should have a gauge put on it). Most valves should be insulated with removable pads for maintenance. On many occasions, insulation is installed too close to the valve flanges to allow for bolt removal. In these cases, insulation and lagging may get removed to replace/repair valves, which will cause the insulation and lagging to need reinstallation prior to start-up.
  • The greater the O.D. of pipe insulation, the more chance there is of the lagging being .024” or .032” thickness.
  • Also, the insulation material can have a bearing on lagging thickness. Cal-sil pipe insulation (chalky, white, dense) is more rigid and can be lagged with lighter gauge metal. Fiberglass or mineral wool insulation is softer and many times lagged with a heavier/ thicker lagging to protect it.
  • The lagging thickness will be labeled on the inside of the metal if it has not burned off. But during installation of new material, you can find the thickness there, or even on the labels of the boxes that the metal lagging is packaged in.
  • Most of the equipment, such as tanks, pressure vessels, steam drums, etc. will have .032” lagging. If you see equipment maintenance or repair in the scope, suspect that there may be SMART jurisdiction.
  • The combustion turbines are typically insulated with removable blankets or pads that can be removed and replaced during maintenance.
  • The steam turbine is often insulated on top and bottom with block, which is then coated with a mud and cloth jacketing. And the parting flange on the steam turbine will typically have removable pads for insulation. Not always, but this is the case much of the time.
  • The HRSG duct (from combustion turbines to steam drums) is usually insulated on the inside of the duct and not insulated or lagged on the exterior.
  • The stack breech section (from HRSG duct to stack) is usually insulated conventionally and lagged with box rib aluminum.
  • The stack is usually insulated conventionally. If API Construction did the insulation, it may be insulated panels.
  • Keep in mind that pipe may have been lagged with .016” metal in most places, but the lagging thickness may have been increased only in high traffic areas or in Personnel Protection (PP) areas.

Coal-burning power plants

Coal-fired plants will have some similarities to the situations above. In general, SMART will have much more scope on a coal burner:

  • The boiler walls (or boiler casing, tube walls, water walls — there are many different terms for this) will be conventionally insulated and typically have .040” box rib lagging. But this flat work and gauge doesn’t matter.
  • All flat work (that is not insulated panel composite work) will belong to SMART, no matter what the lagging thickness is.
  • If the scope lists inspection or repair for ducts, expansion joints, headers, steam drums, etc. it is almost guaranteed that the lagging will be our gauge. Again, duct lagging and expansion joint lagging will fall under the flat work umbrella and that is SMART’s scope, no matter what the lagging thickness is.
  • The boiler penthouse roof will sometimes be insulated on the top with block and lagged with a walking surface of 10 gauge or 11 gauge galvanized standing seam lagging.
Everyone should carry a gauge similar to this Eastwood sheet metal guage if they are going to visit or work on an industrial job site:

The Shell Pennsylvania Petrochemicals Complex is an under-construction ethylene cracker plant in Monaca, Pa., 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. First proposed in 2012 during the Obama administration, the facility is owned and operated by Shell Oil Co., the North American arm of Royal Dutch Shell.
Shell began site work in 2015, moving 7.2 million cubic yards of dirt, building new bridges and a new rail line, and completing a total relocation of PA Route 18. Docking and bulkhead facilities to be used during construction were then created, with construction on the plant itself beginning in November 2017. Work on the plant is expected to continue through the early part of this decade. As of today, an average of 4,500 workers are constructing the colossal facility, with a peak of 8,000 at several points.

As of today, an average of 4,500 workers are constructing the colossal facility, with a peak of 8,000 at several points.

The site will have four processing units (three of which will be polyethelene crackers and one an ethane cracker) as well as a natural gas power plant to support both the plant and the local electric grid, a 900-foot-long (270 m) cooling tower, a rail system with over 3,000 freight cars, numerous loading facilities for both trains and trucks, a water treatment plant and an office building to oversee operations.
Over 200 union sheet metal workers, the majority of whom come from Sheet Metal Local 12 in Pittsburgh, have been on hand to construct the massive complex. Many have been performing lagging work on the complex, as well as duct and siding work. Signatory contactors on the project include Limbach, PA Roofing, Great Arrow Builders, Phoenix Roofing, API, Aescit, McKamish and Jamar Company. Much of this came thanks to an extensive training program performed at Local 12 with the assistance of the International Training Institute (ITI).
For those unfamiliar with lagging work, it is the finishing material (steel or aluminum) used to cover many types of insulation, especially on the numerous large insulated flat surfaces in a power plant or industrial facility. There are key difference between lagging, a traditional jurisdiction of SMART sheet metal workers, and insulation work. The latter is the act of installing insulation or state of being insulated.
Lagging is the finishing material (steel or aluminum) used to cover many types of insulation, especially on surfaces such as boiler walls, flues, ducts, precipitators, selective catalytic reduction systems, bag houses, wind boxes and fans, among other items. Also known as cladding or sheet metal, lagging ranges in thickness from .021-inch and up and usually does not include a vapor barrier. The installation of lagging material on a union project is the jurisdictional work of SMART sheet metal workers.

The installation of lagging material on a union project is the jurisdictional work of SMART sheet metal workers.

On June 1, 2019, SMART entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Heat Frost and Insulators International Union to promote growth and eliminate jurisdictional disputes between both unions for lagging work. To highlight the importance of this work, SMART General President Joseph Sellers and the SMART General Executive Council assigned an international representative and an international organizer to establish a business model to secure new lagging work, as well as meet with the Insulators Union to ensure enforcement of the agreement. In February 2021, to answer the call from General President Sellers to aggressively pursue new work opportunities in this area, over 73 SMART locals assigned personnel to lead their local lagging efforts. These personnel were trained on new online tracking systems to identify and secure new work. In addition, enhanced “Strike Force Training” modules from the International Training Institute (ITI) were established for lagging work, including detailed proofs, material lists and cut sheets for locals to use in their training. The ITI program can customize trainings to be versatile and jobsite-specific to meet the demand for any new work opportunity that presents itself.
With the growth in new power plant and industrial work across North America, the agreement provides substantial new work opportunities for union sheet metal workers in this growing sector of the sheet metal trade.
Currently, SMART SM Local 265 is using the customized ITI strike force training program, with ITI’s James Shoulders, Adam Smith and Jeff Peterson training 12 members on the round and large insulated flat lagging work for an API project at Jackson Power in Elwood, Ill.
“This is a promising growth area within our industry,” said SMART SM Local 265 Business Representative Kevin Glass, “that will yield a tremendous number of work hours for our sisters and brothers working in the industry.”
General President Joseph Sellers underscored that the work is a high priority across the international union.
“This is work that belongs to the members of this union” said Sellers, “and it is time to capitalize on this work and secure these work hours for our members.”

SMART Local 88 Organizer Al Lopez was featured earlier this month in the weekly newsletter of the Western Region of the AFL-CIO. Below is the full text of the newsletter’s profile. Congrats Brother Lopez!

Al Lopez is a member and organizer for International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 88 and has dedicated many years to being politically active in fighting to elect worker champions, in addition to his staff duties. He has served as a captain for labor programs since 2006 and now serves as a local union coordinator for the Southern Nevada Central Labor Council. He is also a founding member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement chapter in Las Vegas that was chartered in 2020.

Everyone knows Lopez for his support of campaign program volunteers; and on days he isn’t knocking on doors, you can find him behind the local’s massive barbecue grill.

Everyone knows Lopez for his support of campaign program volunteers; and on days he isn’t knocking on doors, you can find him behind the local’s massive barbecue grill. “I’ve put in well over 14 years of cooking ‘sheet metal hamburgers’ (as volunteers refer to them), hot dogs, chicken and carne asada for candidates and for charities like St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. Local 88 retirees deserve recognition for the fine craftsmanship it took to build our beast of a barbecue,” Lopez said.
 
 
 

Washington, DC—Today, the White House announced its support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, a $1.2 trillion investment in physical infrastructure.  In response, SMART issued the following statement.
“Today’s announcement is an important breakthrough towards tackling our country’s crumbling infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Biden administration to finalize this agreement and pass a broader package that encompasses all elements of the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan. By working on these two packages simultaneously, we believe we will meet the needs of our country, create good paying union jobs, combat climate change, and revitalize the economy equitably.
We stand committed to fulfilling President Biden’s mission of making our federal government a model employer by ensuring that every dollar allocated towards infrastructure complies with strong labor standards that guarantees good jobs and worker protections. This is an essential action the federal government must take to achieve a positive return on investment for taxpayers and our communities.”
 
 

Despite a rise in economic insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Helmets to Hardhats assisted its construction industry affiliates in placing 2,324 military service members and veterans into building trades registered apprenticeship programs in 2020, according to new data released by the organization.
SMART is an active participant in Helmets to Hardhats – a national, nonprofit program that connects transitioning active-duty military service members, veterans and reservists with skilled training and career opportunities in the building trades.
“It underscores that there is a solid line from the military to the building trades, specifically in SMART, but with all the building trades,” said SMART Director of Organizing Darrell Roberts. “And, despite the pandemic, that line did not break.”

“There is a solid line from the military to the building trades, specifically in SMART, but with all the building trades. And, despite the pandemic, that line did not break.”

– SMART Director of Organizing Darrell Roberts

Roberts served in the U.S. Navy for four years, the Army National Guard for six years and is the former executive director of Helmets to Hardhats.
Helmets to Hardhats announced its total number of placements – or Known Successful Transitions (KSTs) data – for calendar year 2020 in May 2021. Since its inception in 2003, the organization has helped more than 38,000 military service members and veterans transition to the building trades, setting each of them on a pathway toward a middle-class, family-sustaining career in construction.
“This new data represents the collective efforts of all building trades unions and their signatory contractors to provide career opportunities for veterans and is a shining example of their commitment to this mission, even in terrible economic times,” said Helmets to Hardhats Executive Director David Porter.
“Helmets to Hardhats serves as a bridge for military service men and women in search of a secure career once their time in the armed forces comes to an end,” added Porter,. “These opportunities help ease the transition back into civilian life as they launch a new career.”
 
 

SMART SM Local 66 (Washington State) member Johnny Cassanova joined his daughter Olivia’s Girl Scout of America troop to give them a presentation about the sheet metal industry.
SJ Alexander and Vanessa Carman from Local 66 came out to teach the young girls about math and sheet metal, while helping them earn their “STEM” badge.
Working with toothpicks and marshmallows the troop built 3D shapes and were explained how math and geometry is used in sheet metal trades. They ended their event by building a set of dad and daughter toolboxes. The scout leader let them know that this was an inspiring event for these young girls who had not been introduced to the trades before.
According to Carman, “we hope to continue to introduce young women to a fulfilling career in sheet metal, as we look to pass down what we’ve learned to a new generation of sheet metal workers.”  She added that “to be successful at outreach, it’s important to introduce the trade to children when they are young and include it in their aspirations for a future career.”
 

Washington, DC­—On Tuesday, the Biden Administration released a report in response to Executive Order (E.O.) 14017 “America’s Supply Chains.” The report outlines immediate actions the Administration will take to strengthen American supply chains to promote economic security, national security, and good-paying, union jobs in the United States.
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) issued the following response:
“The Biden Administration continues to demonstrate that it prioritizes the needs of American workers and their families. We value the Administration’s commitment to revitalizing domestic competitiveness and strengthening supply chains to promote economic security and good-paying, union jobs here at home. SMART members are committed to helping jump start manufacturing activity in the U.S. and we look forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration to strengthen American supply chains, create union jobs and push for the passage of the American Jobs Plan.”
 
 

Website Headline: Save the Date – 2022 PinP Conference
 
Informz Summary: The brand-new Resorts World Las Vegas will serve as the setting on March 1-2, 2022 for SMACNA and SMART to come together for the 2022 Partners in Progress Conference…
 
Article Summary: Building the Future Together is the theme of this must-attend event for all SMACNA member contractors, chapter executives, and future leaders.
 
Article:
The brand-new Resorts World Las Vegas will serve as the setting on March 1-2, 2022 for SMACNA and SMART to come together for the 2022 Partners in Progress Conference! This bi-annual conference will once again foster an environment for both labor and management to expand on their current relationships, share relevant information, and continue building the future together.
 
This fully collaborative event will feature top-notch keynote speakers, valuable educational sessions where you will learn innovative strategies to work together for a stronger and mutually beneficial future, and most importantly, numerous opportunities to network with both your SMACNA colleagues and SMART counterparts where ideas can be shared.
 
Registration for the 2020 Partners in Progress Conference officially opens September 8, 2021, and additional information regarding the Conference is available at the official 2022 PinP Conference website.
 
Additionally, you can receive updates on the 2022 Partners in Progress Conference on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

français suit. French follows.

Today, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, Sean Strickland, released the following statement on the Federal Government’s Announcement on the new Canada Greener Homes Grant:
“Canada’s Building Trades Unions appreciates the support of the Federal Government to invest in residential retrofits through the new Canada Greener Homes Grant. This is a positive step forward to create retrofit job opportunities in the residential sector. CBTU sees this as part of a continuum to build a retrofit economy, followed by further investments in retrofitting both the commercial and industrial sector. This will help Canada meet its climate goals and create opportunities for skilled trades workers in the residential sector to practice their craft, gain apprenticeship hours and open opportunities for those looking to get into the skilled trades.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to invest in our members and we look forward to continuing to work with government to invest in supporting and growing Canada’s skilled trades workforce.”
 

Déclaration des Syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada sur la Subvention canadienne pour des maisons plus vertes

Aujourd’hui, le directeur exécutif des Syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada, Sean Strickland, a publié la déclaration suivante au sujet de l’annonce du gouvernement fédéral sur la nouvelle subvention canadienne pour des maisons plus vertes:
“Les syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada apprécient le soutien du gouvernement fédéral pour investir dans des rénovations résidentielles grâce à la nouvelle subvention canadienne pour les maisons plus vertes. Il s’agit d’un pas en avant positif pour créer des emplois de rénovation dans le secteur résidentiel. SMCC considère cela comme faisant partie d’un continuum pour bâtir une économie de rénovation, suivi par d’autres investissements dans la modernisation du secteur commercial et industriel. Cela aidera le Canada à atteindre ses objectifs climatiques et créera des occasions pour les ouvriers des métiers spécialisés du secteur résidentiel de pratiquer leur métier, d’acquérir des heures d’apprentissage et d’ouvrir des débouchés à ceux qui cherchent à accéder aux métiers spécialisés.
L’annonce d’aujourd’hui démontre l’engagement continu du gouvernement fédéral à investir dans nos membres et nous sommes impatients de continuer à travailler avec le gouvernement pour investir dans le soutien et la croissance de la main-d’œuvre des métiers spécialisés du Canada.”

 

français suit. French follows.

Canada’s Building Trades Unions have joined with other labour organizations, businesses, industrial and education sectors to launch Faster Together, a campaign focused on encouraging Canadians to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
Faster Together is a voluntary effort of a wide variety of people working together to promote COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and help speed a recovery from this pandemic. CBTU is proud to partner with Faster Together and advocate for skilled trades workers to get their vaccines so they can protect themselves and each other.
We encourage you to utilize the creative materials created by Faster Together – on your website, social media channels, in your newsletter or through emails to your members to help spread the word. You can find materials to use here.
We’re closer to the end of this, than the beginning. And the faster we all get vaccinated, the faster we can get back together.
Thank you for your support for this important initiative.
 

 
Les syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada se sont joints à d’autres organisations syndicales, entreprises, secteurs industriels et de l’éducation pour lancer Plus Vite, Tous Ensemble, une campagne visant à encourager les Canadiens à se faire vacciner contre le COVID-19.
Plus Vite, Tous Ensemble est un effort volontaire d’une grande variété de personnes travaillant ensemble pour promouvoir l’acceptation du vaccin COVID-19 et aider à accélérer le rétablissement de cette pandémie. SMCC est fière de s’associer à Plus Vite, Tuos Ensemble et de plaider pour que les travailleurs des métiers qualifiés obtiennent leurs vaccins afin qu’ils puissent se protéger et se protéger les uns les autres.
Nous encourageons à utiliser le matériel créatif créé par Plus Vite, Tous Ensemble – sur votre site Web, les canaux de médias sociaux, dans votre newsletter ou par e-mail à vos membres pour aider à faire passer le mot ici.
Nous sommes plus près de la fin que du début. Et plus vite nous sommes tous vaccinés, plus vite nous pouvons nous remettre ensemble.
Merci pour votre soutien à cette importante initiative.