OHSCER243A - Operate a Reciprocating Steam Engine

This unit of competency covers the functions required to operate a reciprocating steam engine to meet minimum training and assessment standards for the purposes of certification.

This unit has been developed in accordance with the licensing and assessment requirements of OHSCER243A addresses the requirements for the ES HRW qualification.

This unit is designed for persons currently employed or seeking employment as a reciprocating steam engine operator, and is applicable to any industry utilising a reciprocating steam engine as defined under the national High Risk Work classification guidelines.

This unit of competency covers the functions required to operate a reciprocating steam engine to meet industry minimum training and assessment standards for the purposes of certification. This unit has been developed in accordance with the licensing and assessment requirements of NOHSC:1006 [2001

This unit is also suitable for persons in the industry who require theoretical training in the operation of a reciprocating steam engine. This group may include:

• Existing boiler operators
• Power Industry workers
• Sugar industry workers
• Heritage operators

All units are usually purchased by an employer on behalf of its employees. GoTrain usually make all commercial and enrolment arrangements directly with the employer.

If you are individually seeking this training and assessment then we ask that you also contact us directly as we will be able to assist you.

This may involve combining your training with that of an employer and their employees. This will work for you as some costs will be reduced.

Resources you will need to provide:
To undertake our Workshop and Workplace training programs it is very important that you have access to certain HRW equipment,  and be able to verify your identity with suitable government-issued documentation.

If you do not have your own, or are unable to arrange access to any of this equipment or documentation , you will not be able to complete any of the units:

• A photo of your entire current Driver/Rider licence, Proof of Age card or a Passport.
• Enrolment form

Academic Entry Requirements:
To comfortably complete the online course, you will need English and Mathematical skills equivalent to a Year 10 Australian High School education and be over 18 years of age. 

After you enrol we will ask you to identify if you have the sufficient Language, Literacy & Numeracy skills to undertake unsupervised online training in this unit. If you fail this test you will not be able to obtain a HRW licence as numeracy and literacy are requirements of the WorkCover authorities. You can however complete the training.

Completion of this Nationally Recognised unit will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to operate a Reciprocating Steam Engine. You will learn about……..

• pre-operational checks
• procedures for identifying and reporting maintenance requirements
• statutory requirements and workplace procedures for identifying and reporting hazards in the work area
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices and procedures
• prevention and control measures
• the processes for starting a reciprocating steam engine such as heat input, warm up of the reticulation system, steam traps and steam line purge, systems operation, reticulation line pressure, steam usage and supply, associated equipment such as superheaters and economisers
• the process for confirming operational status of reciprocating steam engine
• procedures for maintaining an operating log and communicating reciprocating steam engine status
• procedures for communicating reciprocating steam engine status and operation
• principles of reciprocating steam engine operation – single and multiple
• reciprocating steam engine fittings
• procedures for monitoring an reciprocating steam engine
• function, purpose and location of equipment:
• procedures such as identification of emergency isolation
• operational shut-down processes and procedures
• isolation procedures and safety issues
• maintenance procedures

Passing this course

To achieve a Statement of Attainment in any Nationally Recognised Training Unit, all students in Australia must demonstrate their competency in at least 2 different forms of assessment. This unit assesses your competence using both written and practical assessments

These assessments are completed in the workplace and in the classroom.

Assessment questions both theory and practical are derived from the National assessment Instrument 1995 which can be downloaded here

What qualification will I be awarded?

Successful graduates of this unit will receive a Statement of Attainment- OHSCER243A- Operate a Reciprocating Steam Engine.  As this is a Nationally Recognised Training unit you can use this qualification for to obtain the appropriate HRW licence.