Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:59 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Operate and monitor basic boiler

Operate and monitor basic boiler

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM07033B
State Code
W5379
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/12/2005
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/06/2009
Field of Education
030707 - Metal Fitting, Turning And MacHining
Original Release Date
18/06/2009
Nominal Hours
54
Description
This unit covers performing start-up, take-over/hand-over, monitoring, shut-down and storage of a basic boiler. It includes inspection procedures as specified in manufacturers' recommendations and workplace procedures, and identification of maintenance requirements and hazard control measures.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select and use personnel protective equipment
  • 1.1. Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used correctly and in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
2. Carry out pre-operational checks
  • 2.1. Pre-operational checks of boiler are undertaken correctly to plant operating procedures.
  • 2.2. Maintenance requirements and visual faults are reported according to standard workplace procedures.
3. Maintain health and safety standards in work area
  • 3.1. Hazards and potential hazards are identified and reported according to standard workplace procedures.
  • 3.2. Hazard prevention/control measures are selected and used as required.
4. Start boiler
  • 4.1. Boiler is started and brought on line safely, consistent with workplace procedures and production requirements.
5. Conduct hand-over/take-over procedures
  • 5.1. Operating status of boiler is confirmed.
  • 5.2. Operating log is maintained and boiler status/operation is communicated according to workplace procedures.
6. Operate and monitor boiler
  • 6.1. Boiler is operated and monitored consistent with production and safety requirements.
  • 6.2. Boiler water quality tests are conducted to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.
  • 6.3. Boiler water quality is adjusted as required to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.
  • 6.4. Boiler failures/emergencies are acted on according to workplace procedures and downstream users are notified, if necessary.
7. Carry out boiler operational shut-down
  • 7.1. Boiler is shut down consistent with workplace procedures, production and safety requirements.
8. Carry out boiler shut-down for an internal inspection
  • 8.1. Boiler is shut down for internal inspection according to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.
  • 8.2. Boiler is cleaned internally and externally to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.
9. Store boiler in shut-down mode
  • 9.1. Required storage mode is identified.
  • 9.2. Boiler is stored to manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Pre-operational checks
Feed water supply, boiler water level, fuel supply/heat source, boiler valves - their operation and position, combustion air supply and combustion equipment
Boiler
Single fixed combustion air supply, non-modulating single heat source and fixed firing rate
Hazards
Chemical and thermal hazards, manual handling, guarding of machinery, illumination of work area, rubbish and combustibles, leakage of steam and fuel etc.
Monitored
Steam pressure, flame and combustion conditions, feed system and condensate returns, fuel system, water level, combustion management system, water management system, boiler and steam manifold fittings, soot blowers
Storage mode
Wet and dry storing, open or closed condition
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.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to operate and monitor a basic boiler. 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 a basic boiler 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 techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. 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
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
M0316 MEM7.33AA Operate and monitor basic boiler Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAW23 MEM07033 Operate and monitor basic boiler Unit of competency