Mechanical systems

Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.

transmission systems
mechanisms
systems that are mechanical
engine systems
pneumatic systems
hydraulic systems
gear systems

knowledge

cross-sector

Mechanical systems is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Sprinkler fitter: Sprinkler fitters are responsible for the installation of fire protection systems that sprinkle water. They connect pipes, tubing and the necessary accessories. Sprinkler system installers also test the systems for leaks.

Tower crane operator: Tower crane operators work with tower cranes, tall balance cranes consisting of a horizontal jib mounted on a vertical mast, along with the necessary motors and lifting hook attached to the jib. Operators control the crane from within a control cabin, or use radio control.
Mobile crane operator: Mobile crane operators work with a variety of crane types that can be moved easily around the road, rail and water. Mobile cranes are often mounted on trucks.
Rail construction supervisor: Rail construction supervisors monitor the construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure. They assign tasks, either on the ground or from a control room, and make quick decisions to resolve problems.
Sewer construction supervisor: Sewer construction supervisors supervise the installation of sewer pipes and other sewage infrastructure. They assign tasks and make quick decisions to resolve problems.
Road roller operator: Road roller operators work with equipment to compact a variety of materials, such as soil, gravel, concrete or asphalt, in the construction of roads and foundations. They walk behind, or sit on top of the road roller, depending on the type and size, and roll over the area to be compacted.
Dredge operator: Dredge operators work with industrial equipment to remove underwater material in order to make the area accessible to ships, to establish ports, to lay cables or for other purposes, and move the material to the desired location.
Concrete pump operator: Concrete pump operators drive and operate trucks to haul concrete from the plant to project sites, and operate pumps to disperse concrete at the site. They also clean and maintain the truck and its mechanical parts.
Bridge inspector: Bridge inspectors inspect bridge structures for joint break, cracks, rust and other faults. They also carry out or organise the maintenance of the structures.
Dredging supervisor: Dredging supervisors monitor dredging operations. They make sure the operation proceeds per regulations and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Sewer construction worker: Sewer construction workers install sewer pipes to transport wastewater out of structures and to a body of water or treatment facility. They dig trenches and insert the pipes, making sure they have correct angle and are connected watertigh. Sewer construction workers also construct other elements of sewage infrastructure, such as manholes, and maintain and repair existing systems.
Tunnel boring machine operator: Tunnel boring machine operators work on large pieces of tunnelling equipment commonly known as TBMs. They regulate the operation of the machine, adjusting the torque of the rotating cutting wheel and screw conveyor to maximise stability of the tunnel before tunnel rings are installed. Tunnel boring machine operators then put the reinforced concrete rings in place using remote controls.
Road construction supervisor: Road construction supervisors monitor the construction and maintenance of roads. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Crane crew supervisor: Crane crew supervisors are present to supervise crane operations. They keep an eye on safety and make sure regulations are followed. The supervisor takes quick decisions to resolve problems.
Pile driving hammer operator: Pile driving hammer operators work with a piece of heavy equipment that positions piles and hammers them into the ground using a rigging mechanism.
Bulldozer operator: Bulldozer operators operate a heavy vehicle to move earth, rubble or other material over the ground.
Scraper operator: Scraper operators work with a mobile piece of heavy equipment that scrapes the top layer of the ground and deposits it in a hopper to be hauled off. They drive the scraper over the surface to be scraped, adapting the speed of the machine to the hardness of the surface.
Rail layer: Rail layers construct railway tracks on prepared sites. They monitor equipment that sets railroad sleepers or ties, usually on a layer of crushed stone or ballast. Rail layers then lay the rail tracks on top of the sleepers and attach them to make sure the rails have a constant gauge, or distance to each other. These operations are usually done with a single moving machine, but may be performed manually.
Excavator operator: Excavator operators use excavators to dig into earth or other materials to remove it. They are involved in a variety of projects, such as demolition, dredging, and the of digging holes, foundations and trenches.
Irrigation system installer: Irrigation system installers build the necessary infrastructure for irrigation of soil, usually for agricultural purposes. They may be specialised in one or more of the various types of stationary irrigation systems.
Lift engineer: Lift engineers set lifts into a prepared framed hoistway. They install support assembly, set up the lift pump or motor, piston or cable, and mechanism. Lift engineers connect the necessary electronic elements to complete the installation and connection of the lift cabin. They also perform the necessary steps to inspect and repair lifts, as well as the shaft and any associated electronics. Lift engineers make sure every inspection and report action is noted in a log book, and report to the client on the state of the serviced lift.
Drainage worker: Drainage workers assemble and maintain drainage and dewatering systems. They lay tubes or drainpipes to dry out the ground of a certain structure in order to put a hold to imminent groundwater. This work is usually performed under pavements and in basements.

Mechanical systems is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Table saw operator: Table saw operators work with industrial saws that cut with a rotating circular blade. The saw is built into a table. The operator sets the height of the saw to control the depth of the cut. Particular attention is paid to safety, as factors such as natural stresses within the wood may produce unpredictable forces.
Planer thicknesser operator: Planer thicknesser operators use machinery to shave wood planks to a uniform thickness. The machine usually planes both sides of the plank in one operation. They feed the plank into the machine carefully to prevent excess planing at the edge known as ‘snipe’.
Wood boring machine operator: Wood boring machine operators use milling machines or specialise boring jigs to cut holes in wood workpieces. Wood boring differs from routing mainly in that the main movement is into the workpiece as opposed to across its surface.
Sawmill operator: Sawmill operators work with automated lumber mill equipment which saws timber into rough lumber. They also handle various sawing machines which further process the lumber in various shapes and sizes. These processes are nowadays often computer controlled.
Band saw operator: Band saw operators work with industrial saws that feature a continuous flexible blade revolving around two or more wheels. Band saws are most effective at producing irregular shapes.
Wood router operator: Wood router operators work with industrial routers to cut wood into the desired shape. Routers have a routing head that moves over the wood, going up and down to regulate the depth of the incision. Contemporary industrial wood routers usually are computer controlled for extremely fine and consistent results.
Fire commissioner: Fire commissioners oversee the activity of the fire department making sure the services supplied are effective and the necessary equipment is provided. They develop and manage the business policies ensuring the legislation in the field is followed. Fire commissioners perform safety inspections and promotes fire prevention education.

References

1. Mechanical systems – ESCO