Construction Metrication Newsletter

Metric in Construction Volume 5 Issue 2 March-April 1996

Here is an updated chart of the metric units used by the construction trades.

Perhaps it should be no surprise that the construction trades are proving to be the most adaptable sector of the construction industry in converting to the metric system. People in the trades tend to be technically oriented and many already use metric tools to maintain their vehicles and equipment. On a metric construction job, they are immersed in metric measures, the fastest way to learn. And as a tile setter explained, "My kids are using metric in school and I want to keep up with them."

Many trades people use only linear measures; therefore, the change is an easy and positive one for them -- from three kinds of units (feet, inches, and inch-fractions) to one (millimeters). A metric tape measure usually is the only new tool they require and classroom work is rarely needed.

Plumbing and HVAC personnel must learn the additional metric measures for mass, volume, pressure, force and temperature; however, most seem to welcome the change to a simpler, decimal-based system. Electricians, of course, have always worked in the metric world of volts, amps, and watts.

Here are some training tips:

Determine what metric units each trade needs to use. Train with the goal of "enabling people to perform their jobs with the same or greater degree of efficiency using metric units."

Train at the right time. Training should take place just prior to when metric measures are first used on the job; earlier training is usually ineffective.

Train only as necessary to meet the goal of enabling employees to perform their jobs with the same or greater degree of efficiency using metric. In fact, training often can be performed completely on-the-job.

Train people to "think" metric." Link metric measurements to familiar objects. Use tools that show only metric units.

Teach in a way that allows people to develop the same "feel" for metric units that they have for the units they use now.

Recent metric projects have shown that trades people learn to think in metric measures in two to four weeks on the job and prefer working in the metric system thereafter.

Stan Jakuba, a metric management and training consultant in Hartford, Connecticut, served as technical advisor for this issue. He can be reached at 203-521-7924 or 860-521-7924.