|
|
THE FIELD OF
STATIONARY ENGINEERING
The Field
of Stationary Engineering
 The
International Union of Operating Engineers is a progressive trade union that
emerged
from the
National Union of Steam Engineers. On December 7, 1896, a group of stationary
engineers met in
Chicago and formed the National Union of Steam Engineers.
This organization was forged to unify the stationary engineers of the day to
achieve better working conditions, wages and benefits for the good of all
engineers. Today, the IUOE has a diversified membership of approximately
400,000 members, of which over 120,000 are employed in the field of stationary
engineering. Stationary engineers operate and maintain a variety of mechanical
systems including all types of boiler systems. They frequently are the only
persons at a facility who have the knowledge of how these systems work. They
are vested with the responsibility of ensuring that the boiler and other
facility systems work in a safe, effective and efficient manner.
Nature of Work
The work of stationary engineers is varied and
complex. They are responsible for the operation, maintenance, renovation and
repair of boiler systems and all other mechanical systems within a given
facility. They are employed in schools, hospitals, hotels, apartment
buildings, shopping malls, airports, power plants, industrial and
manufacturing plants, breweries, co-generation plants, petro-chemical plants,
office and commercial buildings, government facilities and other workplaces.
In operating and repairing these facilities, stationary engineers perform work
on boilers and steam systems; heating, ventilating and air conditioning
systems; building automation systems; diesel engines, turbines, generators;
pumps, piping and compressed gas systems; refrigeration and electrical systems
and numerous other physical plant functions. These workers are called
stationary engineers because the equipment they operate is similar to
equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers except it is not in a
vehicle that moves.
Stationary engineers start up, regulate, repair and shut down equipment. They
ensure that equipment operates safely and economically and within established
limits by monitoring attached meters, gauges, and other instruments, and
increasingly, computerized controls. They manually control equipment and make
the necessary adjustments. They use hand and power tools to perform repairs
and maintenance ranging from a complete overhaul to replacing defective
valves, gaskets, or bearings. They also record relevant events and facts
concerning operation and maintenance in an equipment log. On steam boilers,
for example, they observe, control, and record steam pressure, temperature,
water level, power output, and fuel consumption. Stationary engineers can
often detect potential mechanical problems by observing and listening to the
pitch of the machinery. They routinely check safety devices, identifying and
correcting any trouble that develops.
Stationary engineers also perform routine maintenance, such as repairing and
replacing pumps, motors and other operating equipment, lubricating moving
parts, replacing filters, and removing soot and corrosion that can reduce
operating efficiency. They also test and chemically treat hydronic systems to
prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
A stationary engineer may be in charge of operation, maintenance and repair of
all mechanical systems in a building, industrial power plant or engine room.
Engineers may direct the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine
operators, boiler tenders, and air-conditioning and refrigeration operators
and mechanics. In a small building or industrial plant, there may be only one
stationary engineer at a time who will be responsible for the entire operation
and maintenance of the building or facility.
Working Conditions
Stationary engineers generally have steady
year-round employment. They usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Many work one
of three daily 8-hour shifts in 24 hour operations, and weekend and holiday
work often is required.
Engine rooms, power plants, and boiler rooms usually are clean and well
lighted. Even under the most favorable conditions, however, some stationary
engineers are exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and high noise levels
from the equipment. General maintenance duties may cause contact with oil and
grease, as well as fumes or smoke. Workers
spend much of their time on their feet; they also may have to crawl inside
boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean, or
repair equipment.
Because stationary engineers work around boilers as well as electrical and
mechanical equipment, they must be alert to avoid burns, electric shock, and
injury from moving parts.
|
