The right training pays for itself. If you’ve never thought about sending your boiler operators to WARE’s Boiler University for boiler training, now is the time to think about it. Because it’s actually an investment in your company that can pay off big time. Not only right now, but down the road. Because a properly trained boiler operator who understands the various components of a boiler, how they work, and how they all work together is a boiler operator who understands efficiency and safety.
SAFETY
A properly trained boiler operator is going to keep your operation running safely because he or she is less likely to make mistakes when operating the boiler. That’s particularly important during startup and shutdown, but it’s also crucial for safe, continuous operation. Especially when you consider that even small mistakes can result in injuries that can cost your company money.
OPERATING COSTS
A properly trained boiler operator that’s less likely to make mistakes is going to save your company money because any kind of boiler incident that results in shutdown can translate to substantial financial loss in terms of downtime. Every moment your boiler is down, your business isn’t making money. But if your operator knows what he or she is doing, they’re more likely to keep the boiler operating properly.
A properly trained boiler operator that runs the equipment well is also less likely to cause accidental damage to the boiler, meaning fewer repairs and their associated costs. Furthermore, a properly trained boiler operator is also more likely to be able to recognize small issues while they’re still small issues, before they can develop into big issues that translate to boiler failure and/or shutdowns and more costly downtime.
Another big consideration for operating costs has to do with the money your company spends on fuel. If your boiler operator knows what they’re doing, he or she will be able to do things like identify proper combustion, perform regular blowdowns, and monitor stack temperatures properly. Which means they’re going to keep your boiler supplying all the steam you need while using less energy in the process.
EQUIPMENT LIFE
A boiler operator who knows their equipment, knows how to keep it running efficiently, and knows how to identify problems is a boiler operator that’s going to get more useful life out of their boiler. Proper operation reduces the likelihood of things like thermal stress, scaling, corrosion, and leaks, all of which can drastically shorten the life of your boiler. By avoiding these things, they’ll help your boiler run longer. Even extending the life of a boiler by just a few years can mean substantial savings in the long run. Because as we all know, a good boiler isn’t cheap. So the longer you can put off buying one, the better.
MAINTENANCE COSTS
When your boiler operator is properly trained in important subjects like water treatment chemistry, startup and shutdown procedures, and regular equipment inspection, they’ll not only help your boiler run better, they’ll help extend the interval between maintenance and repairs. With less scaling and corrosion, your boiler will have fewer issues over time, and will need less work done during regular inspections and preventive maintenance procedures.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Depending on where your company operates, proper boiler training may actually be a legal requirement. Or it may be a requirement stipulated by your insurance company. In these instances, a properly trained boiler operator can help you avoid regulator fines, and may help you lower your insurance costs. A properly trained boiler operator can also help your boiler run with more efficient combustion, which can lower your exhaust gases and help your business comply with environmental regulations, as well.
CLASS IS IN SESSION
By now, the value of proper boiler training is starting to become pretty apparent. Fortunately, you have access to one of the world’s finest boiler training facilities, WARE Boiler University. We offer an extensive range of classes available online and in-person, and we offer extensive hands-on training in our Boiler University Lab, one of the few facilities of its kind. Our classes are all taught by seasoned instructors who have decades of real-world experience operating, inspecting, maintaining, and optimizing boilers of all kinds. So they can impart real knowledge and best practices because they’ve lived it.
DO THE MATH
Let’s say you send your employee to WARE Boiler University for some training. Even if they take Boiler University 102, 201, and 303, which will give them an incredibly deep understanding of boiler components, boiler operation, and combustion principles, you’re still only looking at an expenditure of less than $6,000. For that money, you’re getting a boiler operator who will help you lower your fuel costs, extend your boiler life, and keep your boiler up and running. Now consider how much your company’s daily output is worth. If you can keep your boiler up and running and avoid downtime or a costly injury to personnel, that $6,000 starts to look like a pretty small amount, and a pretty darn good investment. Especially when you add in the fuel savings you’ll likely get every month.
If you’re thinking about making the smart investment and training your boiler operator, check out Boiler University’s class schedule now and start reaping the benefits of an operator who’s been trained by the pros. Of course, if there’s anything else you need to help your boiler run better including maintenance or parts and supplies from the nation’s largest boiler supply site, WARE has you covered. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.