Boiler operator

Boiler operators maintain heating systems such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure boilers and power boilers. They work mostly in large buildings like power plants or boiler rooms and ensure a safe and environmentally friendly operation of boiler systems.

The duties of a boiler operator include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring equipment such as pressure gauges and temperature gauges to ensure safety standards are met
• Operate auxiliary equipment such as pumps or fans to ensure that the boiler or furnace runs smoothly
• Performing routine maintenance on boilers, including regular inspections and cleaning out ash deposits
• Recording operational data such as steam pressure and feedstock levels
• Operating and maintaining steam boilers used to generate electricity or provide heat for buildings or industrial processes
• Maintaining records of boiler usage and performance to ensure safe operation of equipment
• Monitoring environmental conditions in a building to ensure that it is well ventilated
• Operating control systems such as pressure valves and flow meters to regulate boiler output
• Regularly inspecting equipment for signs of wear or malfunction and making repairs to keep equipment operating efficiently.

Boiler operators work in a variety of settings, including factories, power plants, schools, and hospitals. They typically work in boiler rooms, which are often cramped, hot, and noisy. Boiler operators may be exposed to hazardous materials and fumes, and they may work in close proximity to high-pressure steam lines. Boiler operators typically work rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. They may also be on call 24 hours a day in case of an emergency.

The following job titles also refer to boiler operator:

heating system operative
heating system operator
boiler maintenance operator
steam heating operator
steam power operator
boiler worker
heating system maintenance worker
power plant operative
steam boiler operator
boiler technician
power plant operator
boilerman
boiler maintenance technician
boiler tender
power plant worker
boiler operative

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a boiler operator. With the growing complexity of the work, vocational school or college courses may benefit workers trying to advance in the occupation.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Boiler operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to boiler operator.

steam plant operator
soap chipper
gas scheduling representative
paint mixer
slate mixer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of boiler operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of boiler operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

aviation data communications manager
biogas technician
fossil-fuel power plant operator
geothermal power plant operator
gas processing plant operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of boiler operator.

• Water pressure: Physical laws, qualities and applications of liquid or water pressure.
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration parts: The different parts constituing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems such as the different valves, fans, compressors, condensers, filters and other components.

These skills are necessary for the role of boiler operator.

• Perform risk analysis: Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation’s functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
• Monitor gauge: Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
• Operate boiler: Operate sealed vessels which contain fluids which are heated or vaporised, not always up to boiling, for heating or power generation, such as in utilities. Ensure safe procedures by monitoring the blower auxiliary equipment closely during operations, and identifying faults and risks.
• Read water meter: Interpret the measuring instruments which measure the consumption and reception of water in facilities or residences, and note down the results in a correct manner.
• Control steam flows: Admit steam through lines or fuel to furnace to heat drier.
• Operate water-heating equipment: Operate water-heating equipment, such as electrical equipment, heat exchangers, heat pumps and solar heaters.
• Read heat meter: Interpret the measuring equipment which records the consumption of thermal energy by measuring heat transfer fluid and temperature changes, and record the results correctly.
• Regulate steam pressure: Regulate steam pressure and temperatures according to specifications.
• Monitor valves: Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.
• Stand high temperatures: Stand high temperatures while keeping concentration and efficiency under demanding circumstances.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of boiler operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Communication: Exchanging and conveying information, ideas, concepts, thoughts, and feelings through the use of a shared system of words, signs, and semiotic rules via a medium.
• Natural gas: The various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.
• Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of boiler operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Ensure sanitation: Keep workspaces and equipment free from dirt, infection, and disease by removing waste, trash and providing for appropriate cleaning.
• Operate pumps: Operate industrial pumps used to remove excess liquid.
• Maintain oil field machinery: Disassemble, repair or replace oil field equipment such as steam engine components or boilers; use power tools and hand tools.
• Install heating boiler: Place heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration boilers, which heats up water and circulates it through a closed radiator system to distribute heat around a structure. Connect the boiler to a source of fuel or electricity and to the circulation system. Connect it to the water supply if it features an automatic filling system. Configure the boiler.
• Use power tools: Operate power driven pumps. Use hand tools or power tools. Use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment.
• Ensure equipment maintenance: Ensure that the equipment required for operations is regularly checked for faults, that routine maintenance tasks are performed, and that repairs are scheduled and performed in the case of damage or flaws.
• Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.

8182 – Steam engine and boiler operators

---

References

1. Boiler operator – ESCO
2. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Boiler Operator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – ClimbtheLadder
4. Featured image: By Alfred T. Palmer – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID fsac.1a35235.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information., Public Domain