Will “Boiler Fireman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

89% Chance of Automation

“Boiler Fireman” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #529 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-8021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 61,410.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 29.00
Currently, there are 33,720 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Boiler Fireman”

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

Related Technology & Tools

Turbidimeters
Power meters
Precision levels
Gas brazing equipment
Colorimeters
Opacity meters
Pneumatic pumps
Hydraulic press frames
Industrial platform scales
Safety gloves
Hydraulic boom trucks
Ratchets
Protective ear plugs
pH indicators
Tapping machines
Electronic temperature sensors
Metal cutting dies
Shielded arc welding tools
Conductivity meters
Straight screwdrivers
Programmable logic controllers PLC
Claw hammers
Locking pliers
Equipment cleaning scrapers
Hand pipe threaders
Grapple cranes
Voltmeters
Phillips head screwdrivers
Oil guns
Socket wrench sets
Ohmmeters
Power drills
Dial indicators
Layout squares
Sling psychrometers
Graduated glass cylinders
Bourdon tubes
Safety glasses
Pipe wrenches
Filter masks
Pipe cutters
Water column gauges
Amp meters
Metal cutting taps
Adjustable wrenches
Micrometers
Descalers
Thermocouples
Combustion analyzers
Dial calipers
Hydrometers
Pressure transmitters
Steam cleaning equipment
Electronic remote reading thermometers
Forklifts
Power saws
Electric drain augers
Bench lathes
Self-contained breathing apparatus
Sandblasters
Rotary hammers
Pressure gauges
Drill presses
Infrared guns
Dropping pipettes
Personal computers
Grease guns
Manifold test gauges
Digital multimeters
Ladders
Two way radios
Scaffolding
Oxyacetylene welding equipment

Web browser software
Statistical software
Data entry software
Email software
Graphics software
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Excel
Building management system software
Database software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Spreadsheet software
Word processing software