FWPCOT4206
Plan and coordinate boiler operations


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to plan the operation of a steam generated boiler and to coordinate boiler operating personnel to startup, operate, shutdown, clean and store the boiler.

The unit applies to boiler plant operators in a timber treatment plant setting and also involves monitoring and adjusting boiler performance.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Plan boiler operation

1.1 Interpret requirements for the allocated process to calculate steam generation levels.

1.2 Plan and document operational orders and schedules to meet production requirements.

1.3 Plan boiler startup, operation and shutdown in line with production requirements.

1.4 Communicate all information to operators in line with organisational procedures.

2. Coordinate boiler startup and operation

2.1 Check boiler house chemicals for correct labelling to ensure compliance with safety, and regulatory requirements.

2.2 Direct operator processes for completing pre-operational safety and pre start-up checks.

2.3 Monitor boiler startup for correct running conditions and sign on.

2.4 Routinely check continued operation and condition of boiler with operators and assist them to evaluate boiler data and performance.

2.5 Modify generation levels to ensure optimum performance and communicate changes to operators.

2.6 Diagnose problematic boiler operations, calculate required adjustments and communicate to operators.

2.7 Monitor and evaluate boiler operations and output to determine process improvements.

2.8 Direct emergency shutdown processes in cases of fire.

3. Coordinate boiler shutdown, storage and records

3.1 Direct operator processes for shutting down equipment and ensure compliance with organisational safety procedures.

3.2 Check removal of valves and fittings and inspect boiler.

3.3 Assess boiler condition, direct operator cleaning processes and ensure compliance with environmental protection practices.

3.4 Select storage mode and direct operators to store boiler in line with organisational procedures.

3.5 Obtain operating logs and fuel efficiency records from operators and complete operating calculations.

3.6 Document and report operational records, equipment faults and process improvement recommendations to appropriate personnel.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

plan and coordinate boiler operations for different operational periods in line with production requirements for each period

determine, document and communicate operational orders and boiler schedules for each of the above operational periods

monitor and assess boiler performance and steam generation levels during each of the above operational periods and modify levels to ensure optimum performance

complete records for operational outcomes for each of the above periods of operation

complete a detailed report about systematic issues arising across the operational periods covering problems with processes, outputs and equipment including recommendations for process improvements.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

environmental protection practices for boiler operations:

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of hazardous substances

energy generation capacity of organisational steam generating boilers and methods used to calculate steam and energy generation levels

energy generation capacity of organisational steam generating boilers and methods used to calculate steam and energy generation levels

processes for boiler startup, shutdown and storage

methods of determining boiler schedules to meet production requirements

range of data used to evaluate boiler performance:

steam levels

pressure levels

energy generation levels

heat build-up

system overload information

test outcomes for water quality and chemicals

past performance records

methods used to:

diagnose problems with boiler operations

safely handle and store boiler house chemicals

inspect boilers after shutdown

format, content and use of:

operational orders

boiler schedules

operating logs and operational records

fuel efficiency records

process improvement reports

organisational procedures specific to planning and coordinating boiler operations:

communication reporting lines for operator team members and self

documenting operational orders, boiler schedules and reports

recording and reporting operational outcomes and equipment faults.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

steam-generating boilers, including liquid or vapour restricted to water or steam

fuel and fuel supply system

boiler house chemicals and labels

personal protective equipment suitable for operating steam boilers

template:

operational orders

boiler schedules

operating logs and operational records

fuel efficiency records

process improvement reports

records for equipment faults

details of production requirements

organisational procedures for planning and coordinating boiler operations.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

complete calculations for steam generation levels against production requirements

read basic numerical machine settings to monitor boiler performance

record numerical data involving fuel efficiency.

Oral communication skills to:

provide clear and unambiguous information and instructions to operators.

Reading skills to:

interpret documents about production requirements.

Writing skills to:

develop documents in a style and format easily understood by others:

operational orders and boiler schedules

reports on potential process improvements including rationale for recommendations

complete accurate basic records of boiler operations and equipment faults.

Planning and organising skills to:

source, collect and organise data to inform boiler schedules and process improvement reports

efficiently and logically manage operational logistics for boiler operations.

Teamwork skills to:

take responsibility for coordinating a team of operators for effective boiler operations.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Sawmilling and Processing