Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSABLIC001 Mapping and Delivery Guide
License to operate a standard boiler

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSABLIC001 - License to operate a standard boiler
Description This unit of competency covers the operation of a standard boiler that uses a single fuel source and does not have a pre-heater, superheater or economiser attached. Operation includes boiler start up, handover, monitoring, shut down and storage. Also covered are preparation for inspection procedures as specified in manufacturer recommendations, identification of maintenance requirements and relevant risk control measures.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application The standard boilers covered by this unit would typically include boilers with fixed and modulating combustion controls, fixed and modulated air supply, and a single heat source. Operation may include a battery of boilers and boilers that have a single thermal or solar heat source. Boilers meeting the definition of ‘advanced boiler’ are excluded. This unit in its current form meets state and territory high risk work licensing requirements. Any alteration to the content or outcomes would not be acceptable to regulators for the purpose of licensing.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan work
  • Potential workplace hazards and appropriate risk control measures are identified consistent with appropriate standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment
  • Type of boiler is identified and boiler operations planned according to procedures
  • Personal protective equipment is identified necessary for the work requirements
  • Suitable communication methods are identified and confirmed with appropriate personnel
  • Appropriate records are located and reviewed to prepare for boiler operation
       
Element: Start up boiler
  • Risk prevention and risk control measures are applied to the work area according to procedures
  • Communication equipment is selected and inspected for serviceability
  • All necessary equipment is selected and inspected for operational effectiveness according to procedures, including establishing water level
  • Boiler is visually checked for any damage or defects with any found reported and recorded according to procedures with appropriate action taken
  • Boiler is vented to atmosphere prior to start up
  • Pre-start up checks are carried out on the boiler and the boiler brought online safely according to procedures
  • Maintenance requirements and any visual faults are identified and reported according to procedures
  • Start up following maintenance and/or repairs, and associated isolations are confirmed, completed, logged and the equipment made serviceable
       
Element: Monitor boiler operation
  • Operating status of the boiler is diagnosed
  • Operating log is maintained clearly and accurately according to procedures
  • Boiler, valves, fittings and pressure gauges are monitored according to procedures
  • Boiler water level gauges are blown through both steam and water sides
  • Standby plant and equipment are tested according to procedures
  • Boiler water quality tests, where required, are conducted and results recorded according to procedures
  • Boiler water chemicals, where required, are adjusted after tests, where appropriate, according to procedures with downstream users notified if necessary
  • Automatic blowdown and, where required, boiler is blown down to adjust total dissolved solids (TDS) levels to recommendations
  • Handover information regarding boiler status and operation is communicated clearly to relevant personnel according to procedures
  • Any boiler emergency is responded to immediately in accordance with procedures
       
Element: Shut down boiler
  • Boiler is shut down for inspection according to procedures
  • Maintenance requirements and any visual faults are identified and reported according to procedures
  • Where required, boiler is cleaned internally and externally to manufacturer recommendations and procedures
  • Isolations associated with in-service maintenance are completed according to procedures
  • Boiler operating log is completed for shut down
       
Element: Store boiler in shut down mode
  • Storage time and condition of storage are identified, where required
  • Boiler is stored in safe condition for access in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and procedures
  • Stored boiler water and chemicals are tested, where required, and handled in accordance with procedures, where storage is for extended periods
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 4.5 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 (e.g. 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 one-on-one 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 state/territory WHS regulators.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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 (e.g. 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 and/or 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

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Potential workplace hazards and appropriate risk control measures are identified consistent with appropriate standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment 
Type of boiler is identified and boiler operations planned according to procedures 
Personal protective equipment is identified necessary for the work requirements 
Suitable communication methods are identified and confirmed with appropriate personnel 
Appropriate records are located and reviewed to prepare for boiler operation 
Risk prevention and risk control measures are applied to the work area according to procedures 
Communication equipment is selected and inspected for serviceability 
All necessary equipment is selected and inspected for operational effectiveness according to procedures, including establishing water level 
Boiler is visually checked for any damage or defects with any found reported and recorded according to procedures with appropriate action taken 
Boiler is vented to atmosphere prior to start up 
Pre-start up checks are carried out on the boiler and the boiler brought online safely according to procedures 
Maintenance requirements and any visual faults are identified and reported according to procedures 
Start up following maintenance and/or repairs, and associated isolations are confirmed, completed, logged and the equipment made serviceable 
Operating status of the boiler is diagnosed 
Operating log is maintained clearly and accurately according to procedures 
Boiler, valves, fittings and pressure gauges are monitored according to procedures 
Boiler water level gauges are blown through both steam and water sides 
Standby plant and equipment are tested according to procedures 
Boiler water quality tests, where required, are conducted and results recorded according to procedures 
Boiler water chemicals, where required, are adjusted after tests, where appropriate, according to procedures with downstream users notified if necessary 
Automatic blowdown and, where required, boiler is blown down to adjust total dissolved solids (TDS) levels to recommendations 
Handover information regarding boiler status and operation is communicated clearly to relevant personnel according to procedures 
Any boiler emergency is responded to immediately in accordance with procedures 
Boiler is shut down for inspection according to procedures 
Maintenance requirements and any visual faults are identified and reported according to procedures 
Where required, boiler is cleaned internally and externally to manufacturer recommendations and procedures 
Isolations associated with in-service maintenance are completed according to procedures 
Boiler operating log is completed for shut down 
Storage time and condition of storage are identified, where required 
Boiler is stored in safe condition for access in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and procedures 
Stored boiler water and chemicals are tested, where required, and handled in accordance with procedures, where storage is for extended periods 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSABLIC001 - License to operate a standard boiler
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSABLIC001 - License to operate a standard boiler

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: