All work is carried out to applicable State/Territory and National OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice.

The boilers covered by this unit would typically have the following features: single fixed combustion air supply, non-modulating single heat source and fixed firing rate.

The unit covers boilers used for all purposes, including the generation of steam.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 6

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select and use personnel protective equipment

1.1. Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used correctly and in accordance with standard workplace procedures.

2. Carry out pre-operational checks

2.1. Pre-operational checks of boiler are undertaken correctly to plant operating procedures.

2.2. Maintenance requirements and visual faults are reported according to standard workplace procedures.

3. Maintain health and safety standards in work area

3.1. Hazards and potential hazards are identified and reported according to standard workplace procedures.

3.2. Hazard prevention/control measures are selected and used as required.

4. Start boiler

4.1. Boiler is started and brought on line safely, consistent with workplace procedures and production requirements.

5. Conduct hand-over/take-over procedures

5.1. Operating status of boiler is confirmed.

5.2. Operating log is maintained and boiler status/operation is communicated according to workplace procedures.

6. Operate and monitor boiler

6.1. Boiler is operated and monitored consistent with production and safety requirements.

6.2. Boiler water quality tests are conducted to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.

6.3. Boiler water quality is adjusted as required to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.

6.4. Boiler failures/emergencies are acted on according to workplace procedures and downstream users are notified, if necessary.

7. Carry out boiler operational shut-down

7.1. Boiler is shut down consistent with workplace procedures, production and safety requirements.

8. Carry out boiler shut-down for an internal inspection

8.1. Boiler is shut down for internal inspection according to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.

8.2. Boiler is cleaned internally and externally to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.

9. Store boiler in shut-down mode

9.1. Required storage mode is identified.

9.2. Boiler is stored to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

selecting and using personal protective clothing and equipment

performing pre-operational checks of boiler

identifying and reporting maintenance requirements

identifying and reporting hazards and potential hazards in work area

responding to boiler failures/emergencies

applying hazard prevention/control measures

starting boiler and bringing on line

confirming operating status of boiler

maintaining operating log

communicating boiler status information

monitoring boiler

conducting boiler water quality tests

adjusting boiler water quality

shutting down boiler

cleaning boiler internally and externally

storing boiler

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

personal protective clothing and equipment use and applications

pre-operational checks such as feed water supply, boiler water level, fuel supply/heat source, boiler valves their operation and position, combustion air supply and combustion equipment

procedures for identifying and reporting maintenance

statutory requirements and workplace procedures for identifying and reporting hazards in the work area

hazard prevention and control measures

processes for starting a boiler, such as heat input, warm up of the reticulation system, steam traps and steam line purge, systems operation, reticulation line pressure, steam usage and supply

processes for confirming operational status of boiler

procedures for maintaining operating log

procedures for communicating boiler status and operation

principles of boiler operation

boiler fittings

preparing boiler for inspection

procedures for monitoring a boiler, such as steam reticulation line pressure, usage, supply and quality of steam, combustion/heat source system, feed water system, fuel system combustion air supply, water level, boiler steam pressures and operation of control/safety devices etc.

location of inspection and explosion doors

procedures for conducting boiler water quality tests

feed water systems and treatment

emergency procedures such as identification of emergency, isolation of heat source, selection and application of appropriate fire fighting equipment and notification of down stream users etc.

processes and procedures such as confirming water level, cooling down, boiler pressure/vacuum and fuel/heat source isolation etc. when operationally shutting down a boiler

processes and procedures such as confirming boiler cooling down, vacuum/pressure, fuel/heat source isolation, removal of combustion equipment and water from boiler, isolation form any common connection and the opening of all access points required for inspection etc.

procedures for cleaning the boiler internally and externally

the various modes of boiler storage

procedures for storing the boiler in open or closed condition

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to operate and monitor a basic boiler. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with operating and monitoring a basic boiler or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Pre-operational checks

Feed water supply, boiler water level, fuel supply/heat source, boiler valves - their operation and position, combustion air supply and combustion equipment

Boiler

Single fixed combustion air supply, non-modulating single heat source and fixed firing rate

Hazards

Chemical and thermal hazards, manual handling, guarding of machinery, illumination of work area, rubbish and combustibles, leakage of steam and fuel etc.

Monitored

Steam pressure, flame and combustion conditions, feed system and condensate returns, fuel system, water level, combustion management system, water management system, boiler and steam manifold fittings, soot blowers

Storage mode

Wet and dry storing, open or closed condition

Unit sector

Machine and process operations

This unit contains employability skills.