Application

This unit applies to the start-up, take-over/hand-over and shut-down of intermediate class boilers. Boilers covered by this unit would typically have the following features: modulating combustion air supply, modulating single heat source, modulating firing rate, and or superheaters, economisers, and other associate equipment.
The unit applies to boilers used for all purposes including steam generation and other industrial uses as required in the workplace. The boilers may be singular or in a battery of boilers.
Work includes inspection procedures as specified in the manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures, identification of maintenance requirements and hazard control measures.
All work is carried out to applicable State/Territory and National OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice, including relevant aspects of NOHSC 1006 (1995), AS 3873 (Operation and maintenance of steam plant) and AS2593 1995 (Boilers - unattended and limited attendance)
Where basic boiler operation (e.g. single fixed combustion air supply, non-modulating single heat source and fixed firing rate) only is required, Unit MEM07033B (Operate and monitor basic boiler) should be selected.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
following, standard operating procedures and statutory requirements
performing preoperational checks of boiler
performing maintenance checks
orally reporting routine information
identifying hazards, hazardous situations and control measures
using personal protective clothing and equipment
selecting the most appropriate prevention/control measure for a given situation
starting up boilers, including those fitted with associated equipment such as superheaters and economisers
monitoring boilers, including checks of combustion management system and superheater and economiser operation
checking operating status
recording routine and familiar information in operating log and other standard workplace forms
performing water quality tests to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures
using testing equipment
adjusting water quality
responding to typical emergency situations
notifying downstream users
performing operational and inspection shut-down, including procedures for associated equipment, such as superheaters and economisers
isolating boiler from any common connection between the boiler and other boilers on line and all access points required for inspection

Knowledge Evidence

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:
pre-operational checks
procedures for identifying and reporting maintenance requirements
statutory requirements and workplace procedures for identifying and reporting hazards in the work area
use and application of personal protective equipment
safe work practices and procedures
prevention and control measures
the 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, associated equipment such as superheaters and economisers
the process for confirming operational status of boiler
procedures for maintaining an operating log and communicating boiler status
procedures for communicating boiler status and operation
principles of intermediate boiler operation - single and battery
boiler fittings
preparing boiler for inspection
feed water systems and treatment, including de-aerator function and purpose
procedures for monitoring an intermediate class 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, combustion management system, associated equipment such as superheaters and economisers
function, purpose and location of associated equipment:
superheater
economiser
air heater
feed water heater
attemperator
superheater safety valves
economiser relief valves
main steam stop valve
procedures for conducting boiler water quality tests
procedures for adjusting boiler water quality
procedures such as identification of emergency isolation of heat source, operation of boiler, selection and application of fire fighting equipment and notification of downstream users
operational shut-down processes and procedures such as confirming water level, cooling down, boiler pressure/vacuum and fuel/heat source isolation
shut-down processes and procedures for internal inspection, such as confirming boiler cooling down, vacuum/pressure, fuel/heat source isolation, removal of combustion equipment and water from boiler
isolation procedures and safety issues
procedures for cleaning boiler internally and externally
various modes of boiler storage, which may include integral associated equipment such as superheaters and economisers
the reasons for selecting particular storage mode
procedures for storing a boiler in shut-down mode

Assessment Conditions

EVIDENCE GUIDE | EVIDENCE GUIDE

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. | 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 intermediate class boilers. 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 intermediate class boilers 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 should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. 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 |

Prerequisite Units

• {'code': 'MEM07033B', 'title': 'Operate and monitor basic boiler'}

Parent Qualifications

• MEM20105 — Certificate II in Engineering
  MEM