Spent most of my working life in the UK on various compressor stations, AGI's and pipelines for National Grid's Pipeline Maintenance Centre in Derbyshire.
Developed a keen interest for pipe fitting in my early days at National Grid, learning from some of the most experienced people in the industry.
Have always been particular, with high standards, a keen eye for detail and an attitude that won't let me quit till it's right.
Find it easy to work with fellow professionals, both as part of the team and/or in a more supervisory role. Can usually get the most out of those around me and unlike most gaffers in this line of work, I find that asking for a task to be done (usually with an option of more than one task and me doing the other) works many times better than shouting and ordering. This also makes it easier for colleagues to approach me with ideas, concerns, instructions, or simply just to ask for a little help when they need it and visa versa.
I have an affinity for numbers and problem solving as well as being to estimate pretty much anything to a fair degree of accuracy.
Having spent most of my time with NG working on their terminals (St Fergus, Easington, Isle of Grain LNG) permitry, method statements, risk assessments, tool box talks, etc, have been drilled into me. Spent my last few years with NG on the 'Safety, Health and Environment' team working on safer methods and equipment, and both training and being trained in how to implement those improvements.
My job related skills are what would be expected from a fabrication background. Grinding, cutting, measuring, mechanical lifting, slinging, signaling and setting pipe and fittings up are my stock in trade and I know I am much more than competent in these areas.
I can not only read ISO's but can find the easiest, safest, and quickest way to achieve the end product, be that prefabbing in a workshop, (taking into account size and weight for transport and installation, and location of field welds), and working on site.
For a more comprehensive list of my skills please see page 4 on my CV and the section on National Grid Pipeline Maintenance Centre.