For the purpose of the Washington state public works law, chapter 39.12 RCW, a lather erects horizontal metal framework to which laths are fastened, using nails, bolts, and studgun. Drills holes in floor and ceiling and drives ends of wooden or metal studs into holes to provide anchor for furring or rockboard laths.

Cuts and shapes lath and other materials, using hand tools and power tools.

Nails, clips or fastens all types of wood, wire and metal laths, plasterboard, wallboard, rockboard, gypsum, sheetrock and acoustical materials which take the place of same to walls, ceilings, and partitions of buildings to provide supporting base for plaster, fireproofing or acoustical material.

Erects all metal plastering accessories which are covered and/or serve as ground, guard, stock or screed for plaster materials, including wire mesh.

The work includes, but is not limited to:

• Installs all carrying bars and purlins (pieces of horizontal timber), light iron and metal furring (thin strips of wood or metal to create air space) of all descriptions, such as rods, channels, flatiron, t-bar, h-bar and other ceiling bars or systems for the receipt of lath and board.

• Wires plasterer's channels to overhead structural framework to provide support for plaster or acoustical ceiling tile.

• Nails, plaster grounds (wood or metal strips) to studding to provide a guide for plasters.

• Handles, moves, hoists and stores on the job site all materials used by lathers and does all the cleanup required in connection with lather work.