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A typical day

Start at 7am with a safety briefing. Read the isometric drawing, measure and cut pipe, fit and tack the joints, then weld or bolt flanges. Hang pipe from steel with rigging gear. Pressure-test the line before it goes live. On a plant shutdown the pace doubles: 10 to 12 hour days for a few weeks, then time off. On new construction it is steadier but more repetitive.