Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate, monitor and maintain boilers, record and report operating data and handover to incoming operators.
The unit applies to production support operators who monitor and control boiler operation in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility. This typically involves working in a facility with complex integrated equipment and continuous operations.
No licensing, legislative 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. Confirm operational status | 1.1. Check production requirements at start of shift and plan daily work activities in line with organisational safety and standard operating procedures. 1.2. Confirm combustion processes are within operational specifications by observation and inspection. 1.3. Maintain process supplies to meet production requirements. 1.4. Record boiler performance in operational log. 1.5. Communicate operational status to relevant personnel. |
2. Monitor and control boiler plant operation | 2.1. Confirm operational status by inspection and routine observation. 2.2. Test water quality and adjust chemical addition as required. 2.3. Complete and record fuel efficiency calculations. 2.4. Adjust boiler controls to maintain operation within specifications. 2.5. Monitor and test pre-treatment systems for water. 2.6. Monitor and maintain steam pressure and steam distribution systems to meet production requirements. 2.7. Complete routine preventative maintenance in line with maintenance schedules. |
3. Record boiler performance and handover boiler operations | 3.1. Record steam generation processes and data in operating log. 3.2. Record and report maintenance requirements. 3.3. Maintain operational boiler records in line with organisational procedures and statutory requirements. 3.4. Brief incoming boiler operators on status of boiler operations and equipment in line with organisational procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must be able to provide evidence that they can:
operate a boiler within a pulp and paper manufacturing facility at least twice in line with required enterprise intervals
complete the following types of tests during required operational periods:
low water level alarm
high water level alarm
low water level alarm lockout
hydrostatic
burner management system
safety valve
complete routine maintenance on boiler plant
complete records for boiler operation:
operating log
fuel efficiency records
records of steam generation processes and maintenance requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
characteristics and dangers of steam
boiler plant layout
purpose, features and operation of these types of boilers and associated fuel types and delivery systems:
fire tube
water tube
operating parameters and allowable variations for those boiler types
operation and application of electronic and other control systems
key features of equipment required to monitor and control boiler operations
purpose of, and processes for sampling and testing plant and system operations
methods used to maintain steam distribution systems
boiler water treatment system and reasons for treatment
data used to evaluate boiler performance including:
steam levels
pressure levels
generation levels
heat build-up
system overload information
test outcomes for water quality and chemicals
past performance records
organisational procedures including:
standard operating procedures specific to boiler operations
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out, use of personal protective equipment and handling hazardous substances
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting steam generation processes and maintenance requirements.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
a boiler which can be fire or water tube type
fully automated, semi-automated, manually operated plant and equipment required for boiler operation in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility
maintenance tools and equipment and consumables for boiler maintenance
personal protective equipment suitable for operating a boiler
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
maintenance schedules for boiler
template documents:
operating log
fuel efficiency records
documents for recording steam generation processes and maintenance requirements
organisational workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or in a productive environment that accurately reflects performance in a workplace.
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: | interpret basic numerical settings on instruments and gauges involving pressures, flows and temperatures complete routine calculations to measure ratios of boiler house chemicals and fuel efficiency monitor, assess and interpret steam generation data record basic numerical data for fuel efficiency and steam generation. |
Oral communication skills to: | provide clear basic information about operational status of boiler. |
Reading skills to: | interpret workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for steam generation processes and maintenance requirements. |
Problem solving skills to: | use and assess sensory information (sight, sound, touch, smell, vibration, temperature) to adjust process to maximise safety and productivity. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Pulp and Paper Manufacturing