Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators typically perform the following tasks: • Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools. • Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners. • Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels. • Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems. • Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly. • Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work. • Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits. • Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely. • Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work. • Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts. • Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes. • Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools. • Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development. • Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters. • Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems. • Weigh, measure, and record fuel used. • Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations. • Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools. • Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes. • Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.