Gas service technician

Gas service technicians install and maintain gas service appliances and systems in facilities or buildings. They install the equipment in accordance with regulations, repair faults, and investigate leaks and other problems. They test the equipment and advise on the use and care of appliances and systems which use gas energy.

Gas service technicians typically do the following:

• install gas appliances and heating systems
• carry out planned maintenance checks on systems and equipment
• test controls and safety devices to make sure they work properly
• respond to emergencies
• find and repair gas leaks, using computerised fault-finding equipment
• replace or repair faulty or old parts
• complete work records
• advise customers on gas safety and energy efficiency

Gas service technicians work in a variety of settings, including gas plants, refineries, and pipelines. They may also work in the field, such as in natural gas wells. The work can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, as it involves working with high-pressure gas lines and equipment.

Gas service technicians typically work a 40-hour week, but they may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays to meet production deadlines or respond to emergencies.

The following job titles also refer to gas service technician:

gas system operator
gas test technician
gas inspector
gas service supervisor
gas technician
gas service controller
gas installer
gas system operative
gas supply technician
gas service operator
gas treater
gas supply engineer
gas distributor
gas service operative
gas distribution supervisor
gas plant engineer
gas equipment service technician
gas producer
gas plant inspector
gas plant dispatcher
gas distribution inspector
gas distribution controller

Gas service technicians are typically required to have a high school diploma. Some employers may require a technical degree or certification. Technical programs can include courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics and electronics.

Gas service technicians receive on-the-job training from their employers after being hired. This training typically lasts for a few weeks and covers topics such as safety, gas line installation and repair, gas meter reading and customer service.

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.

Gas service technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to gas service technician.

electric meter technician
steam plant operator
gas scheduling representative
plumber
slate mixer

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

gas processing plant operator
biogas technician
gas station operator
gas processing plant supervisor
steam turbine operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of gas service technician.

• Natural gas: The various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.
• Fuel gas: The various qualities, hazards and applications of gaseous fuels, such as oxy-acetylene, oxy-gasoline, oxy-hydrogen and others.
• Types of pipelines: Know various types of pipelines and their different usages. Differentiate between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and understand their respective feeding systems.

These skills are necessary for the role of gas service technician.

• Repair heating equipment: Repair boilers, heat exchangers, fired heaters, tanks, reactors and other pressure vessels by use of welding techniques applied to cut and formed metal sheets.
• Inspect pipelines: Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
• Prepare copper pipes for use as gas lines: Use the appropriate copper pipes to serve as gas lines. Cut the pipes to size and remove any sharp ridges after cutting. Flare the ends with the right size flare to facilitate the attachment of connectors. Avoid kinking the pipe and discard any kinked piping.
• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• 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.
• Install metal gas piping: Safely install gas pipes and tubes made of steel or copper. Install all necessary connectors and modern ball valves. Test the pipe to make sure there are no leaks.
• Ensure correct gas pressure: Ensure the necessary, usually constant, pressure of gas which is part of a machine or tool, such as torching equipment, used to process metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
• Interpret technical requirements: Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.
• Repair pipelines: Conduct maintenance and repair work on pipelines to prevent or remedy damages using, if necessary, remote-controlled robots.

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

• Energy performance of buildings: Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.

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

• Monitor utility equipment: Monitor equipment which provides utility services such as power, heat, refrigeration, and steam, in order to ensure they are functional, operate according to regulations, and to check for faults.
• Answer requests for quotation: Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
• Read gas meter: Read gas measuring meter, recording the relevant information such as the amounts of gas dispensed and received.
• Use welding equipment: Operate welding equipment in a safe manner; use welding techniques such as shielded metal arc welding or flux-cored arc welding.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Ensure equipment cooling: Make sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.
• Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
• Cut metal products: Operate cutting and measuring instruments in order to cut/shape pieces of metal into given dimensions.
• Install gas heaters: Install gas heaters, which burn fossil fuels such as methane, butane, or LPG to heat air. Attach an exhaust vent if required. Configure the gas heater if it features electronic control.
• Install utility equipment: Install equipment which is used for the provision of utility services through various energy means, such as heat, steam, power, and refrigeration, and ensure correct and safe installation of the equipment and machinery in facilities and residential properties.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Anticipate installation maintenance: Prepare resources and activities to execute installation maintenance, according to budget needs.

7126 – Plumbers and pipe fitters

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References

1. Gas service technician – ESCO
2. Gas service technician | Explore careers – National Careers Service
3. Gas Technician Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
4. Featured image: By Downtowngal – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0