Operator, steam engine

Steam engine and boiler operators maintain and operate various steam boilers, turbines and auxiliary equipment to provide power and utilities for commercial, industrial and administrative buildings, work sites and vessels.

• operating, cleaning, lubricating and monitoring steam engines, boilers and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors and equipment supplying steam and power to buildings, vessels or pneumatic equipment;
• analysing and recording instrument readings to ensure trouble-free operation, and making minor repairs to prevent equipment or system shutdowns;
• monitoring and inspecting equipment operation to ensure efficient performance, and ensuring the necessary supply of water, chemicals and fuel;
• stoking coal-fired furnaces by hand or with mechanical stokers, and feeding boilers with automatic gas feeders or diesel fuel pumps;
• testing boiler water quality and taking corrective action where necessary, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and deposits;
• monitoring ship engines and machinery and equipment indicators, recording data and reporting to deck engineers and others;
• operating and maintaining pumps and valves for pumping liquids.
• Examples of occupations in this unit group:
• Stoker (boiler fireman)
• Ship's stoker
• Ship's motorman (engine operator)
• Operator, steam engine
• Operator, steam and hot-water equipment