Trends in the Boilermaker trade
Tools and Equipment
The use of tools such as automated welding equipment, automated cutting and fitting equipment and advanced lifting/hoisting systems means that some fabrication procedures are becoming more efficient and safer.
Technology and Work Processes
New technologies such as automated welding and advanced non-destructive testing / non-destructive evaluation (NDT/NDE) technologies (e.g. digital x-rays, austenitic ultrasonic testing, phased array) require boilermakers to know new testing, fitting and preparation techniques.
There is a trend towards using rope access systems to perform inspections.
New technologies in tube extraction provide greater efficiency during repair and maintenance processes.
Due to new crane and transport technology, many larger components and vessels are delivered to the site as complete modules rather than being assembled on site. More of the boilermakers’ fabrication is now done in a shop environment.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
New components and technology to reduce emissions are increasingly being installed in facilities such as power plants, gas plants, coal plants and smelters. Boilermakers are responsible for the fabrication, field construction, erection, installation, maintenance and repair of these components.
New technology that has been introduced to improve work safety includes personnel monitoring through radio frequency technology.
There is new legislation emerging for the use of green energy as well as safety. Corporate policy to address reducing liability issues is increasingly common.
Employers and employees are jointly responsible for the safety of all in the workplace. Jurisdictional requirements and legislation is being more stringently enforced. Due to safety regulation, in area where hazards exist, employees may be required to wear a personal Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device.
Training and Upgrading
There is a greater emphasis and requirement for additional licenses, certificates and training for specific trade qualifications such as welding, rigging, machinery operation and safety. Specialized training for specific tasks such as hydraulic bolt torqueing and hydraulic stud tensioners as well as increased rigging skills is becoming common.
Because boilermakers are responsible for working on energy-producing systems, it is very important that they are adaptable and keep up-to-date with changes and new technology that may emerge in this area. A very specific skill set is required for nuclear power refurbishments. Due to the increase in power demands, specialized training for renewable energy, nuclear power, hydro-electric power plants and gas-fired generation will be required. With the increase in volume of oil and gas as a supplier of industrial work, there is a possible change in training requirements.
Also, with changes in specific sectors such as mining and carbon capture, boilermakers may require a specialized skill set.