Brandon Hotzel
Chelsea,MI
Summary
Experienced Pipefitter bringing history of working on both commercial/ industrial and residential projects. Display strong skills in reading blueprints, understanding job specifications to determine necessary layouts. Known for ensuring proper sizes, angles of pipes, and meeting all safety guidelines. Past roles have consistently showcased ability to perform both welds and pipe system installations with precision, contributing to overall project efficiency.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pipefitter/Pipe Welder
UA local 190
Ann Arbor, MI
05.2005 - Current
- Read blueprints and diagrams to determine the type of pipe and tools needed for each job.
- Cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.
- Install, maintain, and repair pipes used in heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkler systems, manufacturing processes, and waste disposal.
- Assemble and secure pipes by welding joints or using cement or solder.
- Measure, cut, thread, groove, bend and install piping according to specifications.
- Inspect work areas to ensure that they are clean and free from obstructions.
- Repair or replace worn parts such as seals and bearings on pumps and valves.
- Adjust flow rates within specified limits by changing valve positions or altering lengths of pipe sections.
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment such as checking fluid levels or replacing gaskets when necessary.
- Locate blockages in lines using video cameras or other diagnostic equipment.
- Install supports for pipes to keep them in place during installation process.
- Use hand tools such as saws, drills, wrenches, threaders, to perform tasks related to the job at hand.
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning systems by diagnosing issues with components such as valves or pumps.
- Fabricate parts out of metal sheeting when required.
- Maintain records of all work performed including materials used and time taken.
- Calculate estimates for labor costs based on project size and complexity.
- Provide technical advice regarding design specifications of piping systems.
- Keep up-to-date with new technologies related to pipefitting industry.
- Collaborate with other tradespeople such as electricians or plumbers when necessary.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations while performing assigned tasks.
- Observed safe work rules and utilized fall protection and PPE.
- Read and interpreted specifications, diagrams and blueprints for job.
- Handled all responsibilities for piping systems, including fabricating, assembling, installing and maintaining.
- Measured and marked pipes for cutting and threading.
- Threaded pipes using specified machinery.
- Threaded and installed pipe using pipe wrench and dies.
- Fabricated and positioned screw pipe, socket weld pipe and stainless steel tubing.
- Managed movement of materials and equipment to different job sites.
- Assembled and disassembled boilers, tanks, vats, pressure vessels, exchangers and heaters according to blueprint specifications.
- Performed hydrostatic pressure testing of boilers and pressure vessels.
- Used welding and soldering equipment to join sheet metal components following blueprints and job specifications.
- Installed piping systems for plumbing for both domestic and HVAC lines.
- Oversaw 10+ apprentices, answered questions and provided feedback on work.
- Cut diverse pipe sizes and lengths to prepare for installation.
- Performed rigging and forklift operations to maneuver parts and machinery.
- Verified and gathered measurements to determine proper piping sizes.
- Filled piping systems with water and air to test for leaks.
- Using blueprints, laid out scale drawings of pipe systems and supports.
- Reviewed blueprints and building codes to determine details and procedures for work.
- Modified piping systems with task-specific tools to complete preventive maintenance.
- Inspected installations to repair leaks and make adjustments to pipes.
- Inspected and tested installed systems to isolate and identify faults.
- Inspected worksites to determine presence of obstructions, unsafe conditions and crew errors.
- Inspected installed systems using hydrostatic testing or pressure gauges.
- Established sequence of installations around obstructions.
- Shut off steam or other gases or liquids from pipes to conduct maintenance.
- Inspected work sites for holes and damage.
- Installed automated controls to regulate pressure and volume in pipe systems.
- Welded piping using specialized techniques and computer-assisted fabrication.
- Performed pipe welding activities according to blueprints and technical drawings.
- Estimated time and material costs to include in project plans.
- Fabricated pipes, fittings, valves, and related equipment in accordance with specifications.
- Cleaned and prepared surfaces of metal components prior to welding.
- Maintained a clean work area by removing debris and cleaning up spilled materials.
- Repaired or replaced broken or worn parts using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Tested assembled products to ensure proper operation and adherence to safety regulations.
- Operated various types of welding machines such as MIG, TIG, ARC, oxy-acetylene torches .
- Welded all kinds of stainless steel pipes including carbon steel pipes in different positions like flat position, horizontal position .
- Installed piping systems for gas delivery lines utilizing appropriate techniques for safe installation.
- Maintained knowledge of the latest developments in the field of welding technology through research and training courses.
- Verified that all necessary joints were properly fitted before welding process began.
- Ensured that all processes met industry codes and standards as well as customer requirements.
- Determined optimal positioning of components prior to commencement of welding operations.
- Adjusted current levels on machines to achieve desired results while maintaining safety protocols.
- Monitored temperature levels at each stage during the entire welding process.
- Measured angles accurately with protractors during fitting operations.
- Assisted other team members with troubleshooting any problems encountered during production runs.
- Provided guidance to junior welders regarding best practices when performing tasks.
- Welded and worked with stainless steel and various alloys.
- Joined components with job-specific welding techniques.
- Produced consistently smooth, durable welds and quality-controlled finish work.
- Avoided errors by carefully reading blueprints and specifications to correctly lay out parts and plan welding processes.
- Welded fabrication materials, continuously checking for safety and quality.
- Welded components in flat, vertical or overhead positions.
- Produced work using appropriate welding techniques, metallurgy knowledge and engineering requirements.
- Prepared material surfaces for welding by removing scale, rust or other foreign matter.
- Selected and installed torches, filler rods and flux according to welding chart specifications.
- Cut, contoured and beveled metal and structural shapes to achieve accurate dimensions.
- Adjusted weld machines to correct settings for precision and waste reduction.
- Determined equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry and welding techniques.
- Prepared workpiece edges by grinding, cutting, buffing or bending to verify snug fit.
- Recognized, set up and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
- Positioned and secured workpieces using hoists, wire and banding machines or hand tools.
- Safely ignited torches and monitored surroundings to proactively identify hazards.
- Aligned and clamped workpieces using rules, squares or hand tools.
- Measured workpieces with straightedges or templates to conform with specifications.
- Detected faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notified supervisors.
- Marked or tagged material with job number, piece marks and other identifying marks.
- From 2016 to 2022, I was a welding instructor. Teaching basic levels of welding to advanced welding processes.
- I have been foreman and superintendent.
Education
Associate of Applied Science -
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MI05-2010
Skills
- Maintenance and repair
- Equipment testing
- Leak detection
- Commercial construction experience
- Work Order Management
- Welding
- Materials Selection
- Pipe welding
- Safety Procedures
- Material Cutting
- Pipe cutting
- Worksite safety
- Blueprints and Specifications
- Piping specifications
- Pipefitting
- Teaching others when needed
Certification
- UA certified welder
- UA journyman pipefitter
- UA certified rigger
- welding certifications include: UA 1, 21, 22, 35, 41, 45, 101, and UA 18A orbital.
- certified in automated welding with or without video monitoring
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Card - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- First Aid Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
Timeline
Pipefitter/Pipe Welder
UA local 190
05.2005 - Current
Associate of Applied Science -
Washtenaw Community College