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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan work
  2. Start up boiler
  3. Monitor boiler operation
  4. Shut down boiler
  5. Store boiler in shut down mode

Required Skills

Required skills include

complying with legislation Australian Standards organisational workplace standards policies relevant codes of practice and required safe practices and procedures for planning work starting and monitoring a boiler and shutting down and storing a boiler

performing routine safety and operational procedures

reading and interpreting maintenance records operating logs and safety data sheets SDS

communicating faults malfunctions and workplace hazards accurately to appropriate personnel using suitable communication techniques

accurately completing reports operational records and maintenance information in relation to boiler operation

applying task instructions

using relevant tools equipment and personal protective clothing safely

interpreting boiler operation tables and figures

applying boiler testing techniques and adjusting boiler water quality

verifying any problems and boiler faults demonstrating appropriate response procedures

applying appropriate risk assessment and risk management techniques

demonstrating emergency operating procedures

identifying the boiler energy source required to be isolated and made safe for maintenance inspection and repairs

applying boiler cleaning and storage techniques

Required knowledge includes

Commonwealth state and territory work health and safety WHS legislation codes of practice standards and advisory standards relevant to boiler operation

basic principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics in relation to boiler operations

boiler steam equipment operating principles and operating methods

types and characteristics of feedwater systems and treatment

type and use of equipment and fittings for operation and maintenance of boilers

function purpose and operation of main steam stop valve

boiler auxiliary equipment characteristics and capabilities

essential fittings required where more than one boiler is installed eg battery of boilers

processes for confirming operational status of a boiler

workplace communication techniques and procedures

responsibilities for checking and testing boilers

location and inspection procedures and techniques for inspection and explosion doors

steam and boiler hazards for cold start and handover

hierarchy of risk control

use and application of personal protective equipment

type and limitations of corrective action andor adjustments that can be made in response to routine boiler operation problems and emergencies

various harmful energy sources in boiler operation and the means to effectively isolate these energy sources and make them safe

modes of boiler storage and procedures for storing boiler in open or closed condition

SDS and safe chemical handling and storage methods for boiler operation and cleaning

procedures for cleaning boilers internally and externally

procedures for recording reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Successful assessment of this unit meets the competency requirements of the Model WHS Regulations Part High Risk Work

State and territory WHS regulators have mandated use of the Assessment Instruments for this unit which have been endorsed by the national body responsible for WHS matters

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must ensure that candidates can competently and consistently

comply with WHS licensing legislation

effectively communicate and work safely with others in the work area

effectively conduct hazard identification and risk assessment procedures

effectively demonstrate the ability to identify harmful energy sources and the means to make them safe

effectively plan work start up monitor and shut down a boiler according to procedures

effectively conduct boiler diagnosis testing and handover operation to other personnel

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of the safe and effective application of knowledge and skill to workplace tasks performance must be undertaken using the endorsed Assessment Instruments

Assessment of performance must be undertaken either in the workplace or in a realistically simulated workplace setting

Assessors must ensure that assessment in the workplace is organised to ensure that all the required equipment and materials and a suitable working area are made available to suit the assessment and the workplace

Assessment must occur under standard and authorised work practices safety requirements and environmental constraints

Assessment is to comply with relevant appropriate standard requirements

Applicants must have access to

personal protective equipment for the purpose of the Performance Assessment

appropriate boiler and equipment in safe condition

communication equipment eg two way radios mobile phones landline telephones and computers as applicable

Method of assessment

Assessment must be conducted using the national WHS endorsed Assessment Instruments These Instruments provide advice on their application

The use of simulation in the assessment of this unit of competency may be acceptable in certain operational and safety circumstances

Assessment should be conducted on a oneonone basis with the assessor

Assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Guidance information for assessment

Further information about endorsed Assessment Instruments may be obtained from stateterritory WHS regulators


Range Statement

Hazards

Hazards may include, but are not limited to:

asbestos lagging

chemical hazards

thermal hazards

manual handling hazards

machinery guard requirements

hot exposed steam pipe

leakage of steam

leakage of fuel

odour of gas

fumes from a liquid chemical spill

faulty/broken ladder or hand rail

working at heights

flammable liquids

fire and explosion

electrical hazards

work area:

illumination

excessive noise from machinery

spillage of oil

rubbish and combustibles

obstruction

Risk control methods

Risk control methods refer to the systematic process of eliminating or reducing the risk to personnel and property through the application of controls.

It includes the application of the hierarchy of control:

Elimination

Substitution

Isolation

Engineering controls

Administrative controls

Personal protective equipment

Appropriate standards

Appropriate standards may include, but are not limited to:

legislation

codes of practice

manufacturer specifications

Australian Standards

technical standards (International)

industry standards (where applicable)

Type of boiler

Type of standard boiler may include:

fire tube

water tube

once through boilers

waste heat

electrical

novel or unique

Standard boiler

Standard boiler includes:

vessel or an arrangement of vessels and interconnecting parts, wherein water is heated above atmospheric pressure by the application of:

fire

the products of combustion

electrical power

similar means

The boiler may have:

fixed and modulating combustion controls, fixed and modulated air supply, a single fuel source and will have:

valves

gauges

fittings

controls

boiler setting and directly associated equipment

Procedures

Procedures may include, but are not limited to:

manufacturer guidelines (e.g. instructions, specifications or checklists)

industry operating procedures

workplace procedures (e.g. work instructions, operating procedures or checklists)

Equipment

Equipment may include, but is not limited to:

gas monitoring equipment

water testing equipment

fire-fighting equipment

workplace first aid equipment

work platform and associated gear, such as walkways

Communication methods

Communication methods may include, but are not limited to:

verbal and non-verbal language

written instructions

signage

hand signals

listening

questioning to confirm understanding

appropriate worksite protocol

Appropriate personnel

Appropriate personnel may include, but are not limited to:

production workers

maintenance workers

supervisors and managers

other boiler operators

suppliers

colleagues

Records

Records may include, but are not limited to:

operating log books

maintenance records

records of faults and potential faults

isolation procedures

safe operating procedures

daily operating inspections

repairs carried out according to manufacturer recommendations and operating procedures

workplace record keeping requirements

details of any daily or periodic maintenance work

details of yearly programmed or additional maintenance work

Risk control measures

Risk control measures may include, but are not limited to:

barricades and controls

machine guarding

fall prevention

pedestrian controls

adequate illumination

noise controls

signage

personal protective equipment:

thermally insulated gloves

hard hat protection

ear protection (muffs or plugs)

chemical resistant gloves and apron

respiratory devices

eye protection

working protective gloves

whole body fire-resistant clothing

Communication equipment

Communication equipment may include, but is not limited to:

two way radios

mobile phones

intercoms

landline telephones

pagers

satellite phones

computers

Pre-start up checks

Pre-start up checks may include, but are not limited to:

testing warning lamps or visual warning indicators

control panel checks

checks of feedwater supply system

fuel supply/heat source system

operation and position of boiler valves

combustion air supply system

boiler water level

essential fittings and gauges

selection of personal protective equipment

inspection and location of inspection and explosion doors (where applicable)

identification of hazards and management of risks and maintenance problems

fire-fighting equipment

manufacturer recommendations and checklists

relevant records and logs

Start up

Start up may include, but is not limited to:

purge boiler furnace

heat input

warm-up reticulation system

venting the boiler of air

steam traps and steam line purge system operations

reticulation line pressure

steam usage and supply

Maintenance

Maintenance may include, but is not limited to:

leaking steam pipe

pressure gauge accuracy

exposed electrical wiring

defective illumination in the workplace

leaking fuel pump gland

leaks in high pressure feed line

leaking gauge glass mounting

leaking safety valve

isolation procedures, hardware and equipment

Faults

Faults may include, but are not limited to:

abnormal operating conditions

boiler tube failure

feedwater supply and/or other major auxiliary loss

wet steam

high dissolved oxygen

pH of water

high conductivity

actuator or valve mechanical or electrical fault/failure

instrument failure

steam leak

Diagnosed

Diagnosed may include, but is not limited to:

senses:

audio

smell

touch

visual

remote or local indicators and recorders

computers and alarms:

visible

audible

Operating log

Operating log may include, but is not limited to:

date and time of checking

each check, examination and results

printed and signed name of person who performed the checks

date and time of any lockout or equipment malfunction

results of tests on boiler or feedwater

changes in operation

Valves and fittings

Valves and fittings may include, but are not limited to:

safety valves

gauge glasses

main steam stop valve

feedwater stop valve

feed check valve

blow down valve

steam side/line drain valves

flame failure detection device

water level controller

boiler steam pressure gauge

Monitored

Monitored may include, but is not limited to:

water supply system

checks of steam reticulation line pressure

usage and supply of steam

quality of steam

combustion/heat source system and management

feedwater system

fuel system

combustion air supply

water level

boiler steam pressure

boiler and steam manifold valves (where fitted)

soot blowers (where fitted)

operation of control/safety devices, including control panels

Tested

Tested may include, but is not limited to:

response checks

standby plant ‘cut in’ tests

valve operating checks

hydrostatic tests

performance tests

alarm and protection tests

Tests

Tests may include, but are not limited to:

pH levels

conductivity

oxygen

TDS

hardness

other contaminants

Chemicals

Chemicals may include, but are not limited to:

oxygen scavenger

feedwater additives

other chemicals

hardness

condensate chemicals

pH buffers

Handover

Handover may include, but is not limited to:

previous load requirements

maintenance issue, including equipment isolated for maintenance

operational incidences

read operating log

general inspection of boiler to detect any defects

accept responsibility of boiler

noted equipment malfunctions

required equipment tests

Emergencies

Emergencies may include, but are not limited to:

tube failure

loss of water level

power failure

inadequate housekeeping

explosion

fire

bomb threat

terrorism

personal accidents

chemical spills

major steam leaks

major water leaks and flooding

natural disasters

oil spills

Appropriate emergency responses may include, but are not limited to:

identification of emergency

isolation of heat source

selection and application of appropriate fire-fighting equipment and personal protective equipment

notification of downstream users

operation of boiler only when safe to do so

notification of appropriate regulatory authorities, such as state, territory, federal and boiler manufacturer

Shut down

Shut down may include, but is not limited to:

checks of water level

cooling down process

valve settings

equipment isolation

boiler pressure/vacuum

fuel/heat source isolation in accordance with manufacturer recommendations

boiler post-purge

Storage mode

Storage mode may include, but is not limited to:

wet and dry storing

open or closed position