Boiler operators control high-pressure boilers that supply steam to heat buildings and generate power for industrial purposes. Sometimes referred to as engineers, they are employed in industrial and manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, government offices and commercial institutions.
A boiler operator's job is important since you are responsible for the heat and power of buildings and industrial plants. You operate automated or computerized systems that control the boiler. It's your job to monitor readings of gauges, panel board instruments and recorder charts to ensure that the boiler is operating properly. You check the temperature and the pressure and make any necessary adjustments.
You also activate valves to maintain the required amount of water in a boiler, adjust the supply of combustion air and control the flow of fuel, such as gas or oil into the burner. In addition, you add specified amounts of chemicals into the boiler feedwater to control lime build-up or to adjust the alkaline level of the water. Part of your job is to make regular water tests in order to monitor chemical levels.
A boiler operator is responsible for the efficient operation of their equipment. An important part of the job is to maintain efficient combustion to ensure that only the minimum amount of pollutants goes into the environment. You must also carefully inspect the boilers to detect leaks or other malfunctions. If there is a problem, you make adjustments or preform minor repairs. It's your job to perform regular maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating compressors or tightening pipes and fittings. You're also required to keep a log book, recording the operation of your boiler.
you do not need to be big or strong to be a boiler operator, but you may be required to do a certain amount of physical work. You have to perform routine maintenance or minor repairs, such as changing pipes or other pieces of equipment. The work is generally clean, but you are required to get your hands dirty from time to time. You are also required to handle dangerous chemicals, such as sulphuric acid, which is used in water treatment.
Much of your time is spent monitoring computers, gauges and meters. The work is not stressful unless there is a power failure or a problem with the boiler system. In that case, you are responsible for dealing with the situation and getting the system operating as quickly and efficiently as possible. The heating of institutions, such as businesses, hospitals or universities depends on your knowledge and skill.
modern coil tube boilers require very little maintenance. This, added to the computerized linking of boiler systems, has reduced the need for traditional boiler operators in the past few years. An understanding of modern boilers and computer systems would be a benefit to you in finding a job in this area. You must be ready to work shifts at nights or on weekends, since boiler systems need to monitored around the clock. Boiler operators are usually paid an hourly wage.
You will do well as a boiler operator if you are mechanically-minded and enjoy machinery. You must also be self-motivated, reliable and responsible. Most of the time you work without supervision and make decisions on your own. If a problem arises in the middle of the night, you must be there to fix it and get the system running smoothly again.