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Boilermakers

Careers / Boilermakers

Summary Description


	Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Assembler

2.	Boiler Erector

3.	Boiler Fitter

4.	Boiler Installer

5.	Boiler Maker

6.	Boiler Mechanic

7.	Boiler Reliner

8.	Boiler Setter

9.	Boiler Shop Mechanic

10.	Boiler Technician

11.	Boiler Tester

12.	Boiler Welder

13.	Boilerhouse Mechanic

14.	Boilermaker

15.	Boilermaker Apprentice

16.	Boilermaker Fitter

17.	Boilermaker Mechanic

18.	Boilermaker Pipe Fitter

19.	Boilermaker Welder

20.	Erector

21.	Fitter

22.	Fitter Up

23.	Locomotive Boilermaker

24.	Manufacturing Assembler

25.	Pressure Tester

26.	Service Technician

27.	Welder

Job Tasks

	Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.

	Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment.

	Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.

	Repair or replace defective pressure vessel parts, such as safety valves or regulators, using torches, jacks, caulking hammers, power saws, threading dies, welding equipment, or metalworking machinery.

	Attach rigging and signal crane or hoist operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections or other parts into place.

	Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.

	Lay out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal and locate and mark bending and cutting lines, using protractors, compasses, and drawing instruments or templates.

	Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube boilers, using hand tools.

	Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.

	Straighten or reshape bent pressure vessel plates or structure parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches.

	Shape seams, joints, or irregular edges of pressure vessel sections or structural parts to attain specified fit of parts, using cutting torches, hammers, files, or metalworking machines.

	Position, align, and secure structural parts or related assemblies to boiler frames, tanks, or vats of pressure vessels, following blueprints.

	Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates on boiler foundations, following blueprints and using straightedges, squares, transits, or measuring instruments.

	Shape or fabricate parts, such as stacks, uptakes, or chutes, to adapt pressure vessels, heat exchangers, or piping to premises, using heavy-metalworking machines such as brakes, rolls, or drill presses.

	Clean pressure vessel equipment, using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents.

	Install refractory bricks or other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes of pressure vessels.

	Assemble large vessels in an on-site fabrication shop prior to installation to ensure proper fit.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		fabricate sheet metal parts or items

		use precision measuring tools or equipment

		use hand or power tools

		use pipe fitting equipment

		use pneumatic tools

		use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work

		use pressure gauges

		use acetylene welding/cutting torch

		weld together metal parts, components, or structures

		burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects

		use turnbuckle in structural repair or assembly work

		use arc welding equipment

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		read blueprints

		read specifications

		read technical drawings

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures

		cut metal or plastic

		fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

		stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.


		pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		apply cleaning solvents

		build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting

		lay or install brick, block, stone, tile, or related masonry material

		move or fit heavy objects

		cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.


		align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts

		overhaul power-generating equipment or machinery

		repair or adjust measuring or control devices

		repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures

		test mechanical products or equipment

		maintain welding machines or equipment

		maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery

		repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components

		position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures

		inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		signal directions or warnings to coworkers

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities

		understand technical operating, service or repair manuals

		recognize characteristics of metals

		identify base metals for welding

		recognize characteristics of alloys

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		make independent judgment in assembly procedures

		determine project methods and procedures

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use basic plumbing techniques

		use combination welding procedures

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

		perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.


		determine installation, service, or repair needed

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.


		lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects

		measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.


		install generating plant equipment

		install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Boilermakers
	Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. Boilers heat water or other fluids under extreme pressure for use in generating electric power and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Tanks and vats are used to store and process chemicals, oil, beer, and hundreds of other products.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Boilermakers
	Boilermakers often use potentially dangerous equipment, such as acetylene torches and power grinders, handle heavy parts and tools, and work on ladders or on top of large vessels. Dams, boilers, storage tanks, and pressure vessels are usually of substantial size, thus a major portion of boilermaker work is performed at great heights, sometimes hundreds of feet above the ground in the case of dams. The work is physically demanding and may be done in cramped quarters inside boilers, vats, or tanks that are often dark, damp, and poorly ventilated. Field construction work is performed outside so exposure to all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, is common. To reduce the chance of injuries, boilermakers often wear hardhats, harnesses, protective clothing, ear plugs, safety glasses and shoes, and respirators.

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