Description of the Boilermaker trade
“Boilermaker” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by boilermakers.
Boilermakers construct, fabricate, weld, assemble, install, erect, alter, maintain, repair, dismantle, demolish and test various items. These include, but are not limited to pressure vessels, heat exchangers, steam generators, boilers, economizers, air heaters, deaerators, induced draft (ID) and forced draft (FD) fans, tanks, pollution control devices and systems, duct systems, furnaces, reactors, water towers and reservoirs, penstocks, scroll casing, stacks and other related components and parts, as well as their access structures, assemblies and internals, inclusive of piping and external piping up until the first flange, including all types of structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight containers.
Boilermakers work from engineer-approved drawings to fabricate components from steel or other materials. They calculate, select and attach rigging and work with cranes and other hoisting devices to lift components into place. The systems must be tested for leaks and other defects and deficiencies to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
Boilermakers require a good understanding of welding methods and procedures. However, while welding is a component of this trade, jurisdictions may or may not permit certain welding processes without further certification.
Boilermakers are employed in industries that are governed by various codes and standards in metal fabricating, construction, shipbuilding, petroleum, mining, smelting and power generation (e.g., hydro, nuclear, thermal, solar, tidal). They may be employed in construction and maintenance in a variety of industrial workplaces such as pulp mills, water treatment plants, steel mills, cement, chemical, fertilizer and potash plants, breweries, shipyards, offshore platforms, mines and power generation and co-generation stations, as well as ethanol, oil and gas extraction facilities, upgraders and refineries where the installation, repair, and maintenance, or demolition of the above equipment is required.
Boilermakers use both hot and cold working methods to shape steel components and other materials to form boilers, tanks and vessels. They must use various metal forming machines such as plate shears, punch presses and bending rolls. Tools such as levels, wedges, grinders and cutting torches are used to lay out, fit and smooth edges so the parts fit together. They also use a variety of test equipment and measuring devices.
Work is performed indoors or outdoors and may be at extreme heights or underground. Boilermakers can safely work in environments containing hazards and conditions such as, vibration, excessive noise, fumes, asbestos and other toxic environments, confined spaces, extreme temperatures and radiation. Safety training and procedures are a priority to ensure risk is minimized and to avoid occupational injuries and long-term impacts.
Key attributes for people wanting to enter the Boilermaker trade are good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and mechanical and mathematical aptitude. Boilermakers must possess the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required of the trade, including an understanding of mechanical drawings. They also require strength and stamina to work with heavy loads and equipment. Boilermakers must be willing to travel and adapt to changing work environments (e.g., confined spaces, working at heights and working under supplied air). It is common in this trade to work long hours and many consecutive shifts.
This analysis recognizes similarities with the work of metal fabricators, industrial mechanics (millwrights), steamfitters/pipefitters, ironworkers and welders.
With experience, boilermakers may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory positions, quality assurance inspectors and safety personnel.