51-8021.00 · Task explorer
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 25 tasks, including 20 marked Core and 5 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2023.
25 tasks shown
Core · Task 10468 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
Core · Task 10471 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
Core · Task 10472 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
Core · Task 10475 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
Core · Task 10469 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
Core · Task 10476 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
Core · Task 10470 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
Core · Task 10474 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
Core · Task 10478 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
Core · Task 10481 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
Core · Task 10477 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
Core · Task 10479 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
Core · Task 10483 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
Core · Task 10486 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
Core · Task 10485 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.
Core · Task 10482 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
Core · Task 10489 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.
Core · Task 10484 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
Core · Task 10480 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
Core · Task 10487 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
Supplemental · Task 10473 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
Supplemental · Task 10488 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, or air conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics.
Supplemental · Task 10491 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Investigate and report on accidents.
Supplemental · Task 10492 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.
Supplemental · Task 10490 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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