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Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.
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Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, or air conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics.
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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.
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Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
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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.
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Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
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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.
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Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
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Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
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Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
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Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
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Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
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Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
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Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
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Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
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Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
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Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
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Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
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Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
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Investigate and report on accidents.
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Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
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Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
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Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.
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Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
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Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.