You need to have at least 5 years of experience working closely with a licensed high pressure boiler engineer in order to obtain the license, or 3 years of experience if you have a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. You must also pass the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) written and practical engineer exam in order to obtain the license.
- Earn a high school diploma. The minimum educational level for a boiler operator is a high school diploma or general academic development certificates. …
- Complete apprenticeship programs. …
- Pursue technical diplomas or an associate’s degree. …
- Obtain a license. …
- Search for a job.
What does a boiler operator do?
Turbines, boilers, and other boiler-related machinery and systems are all operated, maintained, and repaired by boiler operators. Regardless of the size and equipment of boiler systems, a boiler operator’s primary responsibilities and duties remain the same and consist of the following:
1. Monitoring and maintaining boilers
A boiler operator regularly inspects and maintains boilers and boiler systems, including the piping, valves, and gauges. Maintenance includes cleaning and clearing clogged pipes or valves.
2. Inspecting fluids
The amount of gas, water, and other fluids used in boiler systems or related equipment are checked by boiler technicians. If adjustments are required, the fluids are added to make sure the boiler system is operating at its best.
3. Repairing boiler equipment
The technicians repair boiler system components when they malfunction or break. Valve and piping systems are some of the common components that boiler operators frequently repair.
4. Replacing damaged parts
For the system to work properly, damaged boiler systems are replaced. In order to determine whether to repair or replace the parts, the defective part of a boiler must be examined. Boiler operators replace malfunctioning accessories with new components.
5. Recording daily readings
The system is checked by boiler operators each day to log crucial data, including feedwater test results and gas readings, among other test results.
6. Adjusting equipment
Running boiler systems vibrate, loosening parts of the system. To ensure that the system’s pressure is appropriate, a boiler operator tightens loose components and modifies boiler controllers and valves.
7. Maintaining cleanliness
Operators of boilers perform internal and external boiler system cleaning. Additionally, the technicians make sure the boiler room and associated facilities are tidy and orderly.
8. Reading blueprints
When performing maintenance and repairs on boilers, boiler operators study and put into practice blueprints, instructions, and operation manuals.
9. Testing water quality
Boiler operators check the water quality to make sure the boiler system will last for a long time. To prevent the boiler system’s rapid corrosion in the event that the water has a high PH, the technicians add corrosion inhibitors.
What is a boiler operator?
Technicians with a focus on maintaining and repairing boiler rooms and equipment are known as boiler operators. Professionals operate, monitor, and adjust boilers and other appliances that affect boilers. Boiler operators keep an eye on a number of variables, such as pressure and temperatures. Boiler operators take into account and use the following factors to maintain reliable and well-functioning systems:
How to become a boiler operator
You must be aware of the requirements for a boiler operator career if you’re interested in doing so. Here is the path to becoming a qualified boiler operator:
1. Earn a high school diploma
Boiler operators must possess a high school diploma or general academic development certificates as their lowest level of education. You also need a diploma to be accepted into a college or an apprenticeship program. It is necessary to take courses in physics, electronics, algebra, and English in order to become a boiler operator. Boiler operators take math, science, technical and mechanical subjects. It takes two to four years to complete high school and become a boiler operator.
Apply for the exam if you want a general education development (GED) certification. Four subjects are tested on the exam: language arts reasoning, social studies reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and science reasoning. You must receive at least a 145 on each subject out of a possible 200 in order to pass the test.
2. Complete apprenticeship programs
Any local affiliate of the International Union of Operating Engineers may sponsor the four-year internships. Although there are programs for boiler operators, stationary engineers make up the majority of internship programs. When finishing the stationary engineers internship program, in-the-workplace internship programs take between 6,000 and 8,000 hours to complete, with an additional 600 to 792 hours for classroom instruction.
However, if you are fortunate enough to be accepted into a boiler technician internship program, it will require you to put in 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You will gain knowledge of boiler operation, types, and maintenance during the internship. You will also learn about automatic control and plant management.
3. Pursue technical diplomas or an associates degree
There are few apprenticeship programs available, so few students have the opportunity to complete them. However, until you receive a technician promotion, you can study independently and gain experience by working as assistants and helpers in boiler system operations. Boiler operation training is offered by stationary engineering associate’s degree programs as well as power engineering technical diploma programs. Math, reading blueprints, metering, hydraulics, power controls, and other course topics are involved. While associate’s degrees can be obtained in two years, diploma programs last one to two years.
4. Obtain a license
Different states require technicians to have a work permit in order to work as boiler operators. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have knowledge of and experience with boiler operations, and reside in the state and the surrounding area in order to be eligible for the licensing exams. To pass the licensing exam, you must get at least 70% of the questions correct Depending on the state, boiler operator licenses are valid for one to three years. After the validity period, technicians have to renew their licenses.
The type of license you need depends on the level of expertise required by the boiler operation you choose. There are licenses for stationary steam engineers, as well as low- and high-pressure boiler technicians. Based on your level of education and experience, the type of boiler system to operate determines the class of license you need.
5. Search for a job
Search for businesses or individuals advertising boiler operator jobs when applying for jobs. You can locate companies hiring new boiler technicians by using search engines or by contacting people you know. Make a well-written resume that includes information about your training, experience, and licenses, certifications, and qualifications. Customize cover letters you send to different employers. For instance, when customizing the cover letters, take into account the specifications and credentials listed.
Key skills for a boiler operator
A technician with strong mechanical aptitude who works in a strenuous environment is a boiler operator. The following abilities are necessary for technicians to perform boiler operation tasks well:
1. Reasoning and problem solving
Excellent boiler technicians can identify problems with the boiler system. The technicians evaluate the circumstance and employ logical theories to choose the best course of action for resolving the problem. Boiler technicians must possess the critical understanding and problem-solving abilities to quickly identify the source of the issue and the appropriate solution.
2. Communication
Reading and comprehending manuals and reporting to superiors about a boiler system’s performance and functionality are part of the boiler operation task. Both oral and written communication skills are required to effectively transmit and receive information.
3. Tech-savvy
Industrial sectors are undergoing a technological revolution as new and cutting-edge devices are continually being developed. Therefore, great technicians are proficient and informed about modern technology. For instance, the technicians can identify a mechanical issue with the boiler system using the most recent computer software.
4. Attention to details
The systems are thoroughly examined and inspected by boiler operators. It takes a keen eye to identify even the minute components that contribute to a system’s dysfunction.
5. Time management
Boiler operators have a lot of responsibilities, so the technicians need to be organized to handle them all. They will arrange their work according to a schedule, beginning with the highest priority task. As a result, they can finish all of their tasks by the deadline.
6. Proactiveness
Operators of boilers must assess and identify potential risks in order to avoid harm that could result in the system failing. Being proactive aids in spotting potential risk issues, implementing corrective measures, and foreseeing ongoing facility needs.
7. Teamwork
Working in a group offers the chance to uncover new perspectives, develop original ideas, and develop skills. Great technicians listen to colleagues and superiors when seeking solutions or diagnosing systems in order to develop workable and useful ideas.
8. Ability to work under pressure
Industrial work may be suspended if the boiler system malfunctions until the systems are repaired Pressure may increase as a result of superiors wanting the issue fixed as soon as possible. Great boiler operators must therefore exhibit strength and the capacity to function under duress.
The salary of a boiler operator
You must comprehend the duties of a boiler operator if you are interested in working as one. Below are the qualifications, skills and duties of boiler operators:
1. Duties of boiler operators
Maintaining, repairing, and running boilers in establishments like power plants, equipment rooms, factories, and warehouses are some of the duties of boiler operators. The pulverizers and stokers are started by the boiler operators so that coal can be ground and fed into the boilers’ furnaces. Additionally, experts operate automatic fired boilers to produce steam, which powers industrial and building processes.
2. Work environment of boiler operators
Since the majority of their responsibilities are to maintain and keep the boiler system and equipment functional, boiler operators work from boiler rooms. Thus, their working environment is in boiler rooms.
3. Qualification for boiler operators
Operating a boiler requires at least a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. For operators to effectively operate and control boilers, they need industry expertise, technical proficiency, soft skills, and a license.
4. Salary
Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator Career Video
FAQ
What qualifications do you need to install a boiler?
A degree or NVQ in domestic natural gas installation and maintenance, domestic plumbing and heating, or domestic heating and cooling Additionally, you’ll need work experience as an engineer or with a licensed gas company.
What profession works on boilers?
The owner of any manufacturing facility that has the necessary personnel, expertise, and resources to produce IBR boilers, components, and accessories in accordance with Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950 (as amended to the present), may submit an online application for the issuance of a certificate of boiler manufacturer-Class (Special/I/II/III).
How can I get boiler Licence in India?
A boiler technician oversees maintenance, enforces safety regulations, and modifies controls to maintain boiler systems. You might be responsible for routine maintenance on HVAC units, piping systems, burners, boilers, and related equipment.
What is a boiler tech?
A boiler technician oversees maintenance, enforces safety regulations, and modifies controls to maintain boiler systems. You might be responsible for routine maintenance on HVAC units, piping systems, burners, boilers, and related equipment.
