How long have you been working in the pipeline industry?
I have been in the pipeline industry for approximately six months, however, my previous experience in plumbing and gas fitting has provided me with exposure to piping work.
What industry were you working in prior to pipelines, and what led you into the pipelines industry?
I am a licensed plumber and gas fitter by trade, and have been plumbing for six years. The decision to move into the pipeline industry was a logical step. I wanted to get into the resources sector and my skill set from plumbing made for an easy transition.
What is your favourite aspect of working in the pipeline industry?
I enjoy the diversity of the work as I can be polywelding pipe one day, straight into trenching, laying and backfill the next day, and then be pressure testing the line. I enjoy all aspects of the job and have enjoyed learning the different components of piping.
What has been your favourite project to work on and why?
Due to my recent entrance into the pipeline industry, the project that I have spent the most time on has been a gas field in Moranbah. I enjoy the variety of work that the project has for the piping crew – we are exposed to many different sized lines and get to do more detailed pipe work. I also enjoy being in the Queensland outback – getting away from the city, as well as seeing different wildlife and landscapes.
Can you outline a typical day in the field?
A typical polywelding day: open or re-validate the current work permit, head out to the site, review and sign on to the Job Safety and Environmental Analysis, set up polywelding machines (typically run two machines and are capable of welding a few hundred metres per day, depending on the size of the pipeline), continue welding until the end of the day, pack up site and head back to the yard.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why? Or, who have you found to be a role model and why?
Due to the short time I have been in the pipeline industry I haven’t found a role model yet, however, someone I look up to is a bloke in our crew who we call “˜Rousey’. He has been polywelding for years and is extremely passionate about high-density polyethylene pipe and polywelding. He has shown me a lot since I have been working with him and his knowledge and trade secrets have helped me a lot. For example, some of the trade secrets I have been shown are in the manipulation of the machine to accommodate and fine tune the alignment of the poly to ensure all tolerances are met.
Do you have any advice for other young pipeliners?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try to learn as much as you can while you’re young and try to gain as much knowledge from more experienced people, as they have skills and tricks that aren’t taught but are learned from years of on-the-job experience.
