Most large office buildings, malls, warehouses, and other commercial facilities have extensive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems that keep them comfortable all year long. Industrial plants often have additional facilities to provide electrical power, steam, or other services. Stationary engineers and boiler operators control and maintain these systems, which include boilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, diesel engines, turbines, generators, pumps, condensers, and compressors. The equipment that stationary engineers and boiler operators control is similar to equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers, except that it is used to generate heat or electricity, rather than to move a train or ship.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators start up, regulate, repair, and shut down equipment. They ensure that the equipment operates safely, economically, and within established limits by monitoring meters, gauges, and computerized controls. Stationary engineers and boiler operators control equipment manually in many older buildings and, if necessary, make adjustments. They watch and listen to machinery and routinely check safety devices, identifying and correcting any trouble that develops.
In newer buildings, stationary engineers typically use computers to operate the mechanical, electrical, and fire safety systems. They monitor, adjust, and diagnose these systems from a central location, using a computer linked into the buildings' communications network.
Routine maintenance is a regular part of the work of stationary engineers and boiler operators. Engineers use hand and power tools to perform maintenance and repairs ranging from a complete overhaul to replacing defective valves, gaskets, or bearings. They lubricate moving parts, replace filters, and remove soot and corrosion that can reduce the boiler's operating efficiency. They also test the water in the boiler and add chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits. In most facilities, stationary engineers are responsible for the maintenance and balancing of air systems, as well as hydronic systems that heat or cool buildings by circulating fluid (such as water or water vapor) in a closed system of pipes. They may check the air quality of the ventilation system and make adjustments to keep the operation of the boiler within mandated guidelines. Servicing, troubleshooting, repairing, and monitoring modern systems all require the use of sophisticated electrical and electronic test equipment. Additionally, many stationary engineers perform other maintenance duties, such as carpentry, plumbing, locksmithing, and electrical repairs.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators keep a record of relevant events and facts concerning the operation and maintenance of the equipment. When working with steam boilers, for example, stationary engineers and boiler operators observe, control, and record steam pressure, temperature, water level, chemistry, power output, fuel consumption, and emissions from the boiler. They also note the date and nature of all maintenance and repairs.
In a large building or industrial plant, a senior stationary engineer may be in charge of all mechanical systems in the building and may supervise a team of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, and air-conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics. In a small building or industrial plant, there may be only one stationary engineer.
Work environment. Engine rooms, power plants, boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, and electrical rooms are usually clean and well lighted. Even under the most favorable conditions, however, some stationary engineers and boiler operators are exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and high noise levels from the equipment. Maintenance duties also may require contact with oil, grease, or smoke. Workers spend much of the time on their feet. They also may have to crawl inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean, or repair equipment.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators work around hazardous machinery, such as low- and high-pressure boilers and electrical equipment. They must follow procedures to guard against burns, electric shock, and noise, danger from moving parts, and exposure to hazardous materials, such as asbestos or toxic chemicals.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators generally have steady, year-round employment. The average workweek is 40 hours. In facilities that operate around the clock, engineers and operators usually work one of three daily 8-hour shifts on a rotating basis. Weekend and holiday work often is required.
| 1. | Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors and air-conditioning equipment, in order to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools. |
| 2. | Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation, in order to ensure that boilers are operating properly. |
| 3. | Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing; and take any necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits. |
| 4. | 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. |
| 5. | Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels. |
| 6. | Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps. |
| 7. | 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. |
| 8. | Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems. |
| 9. | Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work. |
| 10. | Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system and/or industrial processes. |
| 11. | Switch from automatic controls to manual controls, and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically, in order to allow for safe inspection and repair work. |
| 12. | Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools. |
| 13. | Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes. |
| 14. | Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, and/or fabrication of new parts. |
| 15. | Weigh, measure, and record fuel used. |
| 16. | Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures, or assist in their development. |
| 17. | Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools. |
| 18. | Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems. |
| 19. | Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters. |
| 20. | Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities. |
| 21. | Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, and/or air-conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics. |
| 22. | Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations. |
| 23. | Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames. |
| 24. | Investigate and report on accidents. |
| 25. | Operate mechanical hoppers, and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair. |
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