Low Pressure Boiler Operators

Responsibilities of Operator for the license:

Low Pressure Boiler Operators are a much needed part of many facilities from schools, apartment buildings, hotels, to name a few. Each operator is required to know the basic functions of the boiler and be familiar with the ancillary equipment necessary. You will want to think of the operator as the best instrument in the facility when combined with a well maintained facility. Operator capability and responsibilities vary depending on facility size and system types. A good example is the comparison of hot water heating systems versus steam systems. A steam system requires additional knowledge and expanded operational duties when compared to its hot water boiler counterpart. Despite the boilers themselves operating nearly the same, steam plants require additional checks and balances for long term safety, reliability, and efficiency:

Low Pressure Licensed Operator Responsibilities for Hot Water Only Heating Operation are, but not limited to, the following:

• For facilities rated as heating boilers or Low Pressure boilers implement a minimum of 7 hour interval checks to comply with state regulation.per state compliance.  Depending on the facility 4 hour or 2 hour checks are appropriate.

• Review operating status of equipment checking for alarms.

• Operators should focus on normal operation to help them determine abnormal conditions.  

• Observe critical operating parameters and supply and return temperatures.

• Identify any abnormal operation and unusual occurrences that reduce efficiency, impact reliability or any action that could compromise facility equipment and personal safety.

• Perform routine testing per ASME, OEM, and industry best practices of Section VI Care and Operation of Heating Boilers.

• Maintain correct water supply and return water temperatures for hot water systems.

• Monitor water consumption meter.

• Ensure fuel consumption is monitored to determine inefficiencies and waste energy impacting unnecessary resource consumption.

• General housekeeping and maintenance to ensure safe draft and burner operation along with avoiding fire or slip hazards.

• Pump/Motor equipment monitoring, ensures no cavitation is occurring with correct inlet and outlet pressures.

Low Pressure Licensed Operator Responsibilities for Steam Only Heating Operation are, but not limited to, the following:

• For facilities rated as heating boilers or Low Pressure boilers implement 4 hour interval checks for industry best practice but no later than 7 hours for state compliance.  Depending on the facility 4 hour or 2 hour checks are appropriate.

• Check the Water Level to maintain Normal Operating Water Level.

• Confirm water level protection interlocks are functioning properly. 

• Complete blowdown controls to reduce deposits and scale.

• Review the water treatment chemistry and test per the frequency established.

• Review operating status of equipment checking for alarms.

• Operators should focus on normal operation to help them determine abnormal conditions.  

• Observe critical operating parameters and supply and return temperatures.

• Identify any abnormal operation and unusual occurrences that reduce efficiency, impact reliability or any action that could compromise facility equipment and personal safety.

• Perform routine testing per ASME, OEM, and industry best practices of Section VI Care and Operation of Heating Boilers..

• Maintain correct water supply and return water temperatures for hot water systems.

• Monitor water consumption meter.

• Ensure fuel and water consumption are monitored to determine inefficiencies and waste energy impacting unnecessary resource consumption.resources being consumed.

• General housekeeping and maintenance to ensure safe draft and burner operation along with avoiding fire or slip hazards.

• Pump/Motor equipment monitoring ensuring no cavitation is occurring with correct inlet and outlet pressures.