CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY LICENSE SECTION 201 N.
FIGUEROA ST, Room 110
3-1-1 (213) 473-3231 (866) 4LA-CITY - (866) 452-2489 __________________________________________________________________ EXAMINATION INFORMATION STEAM ENGINEERS AND BOILER OPERATORS
GENERAL: A valid Boiler Operator License or Steam Engineer License is required by the City of Los Angeles for a person to operate, within city limits, one or more high pressure steam boilers rated above 5 horsepower (high pressure steam is steam in excess of 15 PSI {PSI - pounds per square inch}) - L.A.M.C. Sec. 97.0201. TYPE OF LICENSES : 1. BOILER OPERATOR: This license allows for the operation of high pressure steam boilers rated from over 5 HP to 35 HP (HP = horsepower). 2. STEAM ENGINEER - 500 HP: This license allows for the operation of one or more high pressure steam boilers rated up to 500 HP. If multiple boilers are connected for joint operation or piped to a common steam header, the total HP rating from all the connected boilers cannot exceed 500 HP. 3. STEAM ENGINEER - UNLIMITED HP: This license allows for the operation of one or more high pressure steam boilers of any size or horsepower rating. 4. TURBINE ENDORSEMENT*: Allows the operation of one or more steam turbines of any size. This applies only to the holders of the Unlimited HP license. An unlimited HP license originally issued prior to December 22, 1980 (when the Unlimited HP examination included turbine questions) may be returned for endorsement. Note: Write down the type(s) of license that you are applying for on the application form that asks for the Title of Examination. Processing of the application form may be delayed if this block is not filled out. EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS A. EXPERIENCE: 1. BOILER OPERATOR: at least 6 months as an operator of boilers over 5HP but not exceeding 35 HP carrying over 15 pounds per square inch of steam. 2. STEAM ENGINEER (500 HP / UNLIMITED HP): at least one year full time as an engineer or, in lieu thereof, three years experience as a water tender, fireman or assistant engineer working with steam boilers. 3. STEAM ENGINEER (TURBINE ENDORSEMENT): at least one years experience as an operator or in lieu thereof, three years experience as an oiler, wiper, water tender, auxiliary operator or assistant to the person in charge of a steam turbine. B. FEES: APPLICATION / FILING : $54.00 ANNUAL RENEWAL: $27.50 The filing fee is good for two examination visits and must be submitted with the application form. There is no additional charge for the TURBINE ENDORSEMENT exam when taken in conjunction with the Unlimited Steam Engineer exam. If taken individually, a separate application and filing fee will be required. C. ONE PASSPORT SIZE COLOR PHOTOGRAPH (FULL-FACE, 2 X 1-1/4"). PLEASE ATTACH TO APPLICATION FORM.
*TURBINE ENDORSEMENT is a notation printed on the Steam Engineer Unlimited Certification when the Turbine exam is passed. One must already have the Steam Engineer Unlimited license in order to qualify for the endorsement examination or one can apply for the Unlimited and Turbine examinations to be taken at the same time, in which case, the Steam Engineer Unlimited exam must be passed first in order to activate the Turbine Endorsement. -1-
D. APPLICATION FORM AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION: Application forms submitted by mail must be signed by the applicant and subsequently notorized. Certification(s) of employment from present and/or previous employer(s) attesting to the applicants operational experience with boilers may be submitted with the application form. The City reserves the right to verify any claims of employment or work history related to boiler operating experience. A completed WORK HISTORY SHEET must accompany all application forms. Include only any work experience related to boiler operation. However, courses taken from seminars or technical schools relevant to boiler operation may also be included in the application form or work history sheet for partial work experience credit. Work telephone number(s) and name(s) of supervisor(s) must be provided. An unsigned or incompletely filled out application form or work history sheet with insufficient information or submitted without the required filing fee will be returned to the applicant for correction. The work history sheet must always be submitted with each and every application form. E. ABOUT THE EXAMINATION: All exam topics consist of two parts. The first part is a closed-book written exam with multiple choice questions pertaining to the safe operation of high pressure steam boilers and steam-driven equipment. The second part, an oral interview, is given only when a passing grade is obtained from the first part and is used to determine the applicants practical knowledge and safe operation of steam boilers and steam-related accessories. Except for foreign language translation dictionaries, no books or reference materials of any kind are permitted to be used during the examination. Other than the restroom breaks, no one is allowed to leave the room or building until he/she has completed the examination(s) and returned the whole exam packages to the Examiner. The City Examiners are not obligated to review test results with an unsuccessful applicant. In general, the steam boiler exam may contain questions in the following categories: 1. 2. 3. 4. Boiler Operation & Maintenance Boiler Safety & Control Devices Combustion Principles Pumps and Compressors 5. 6. 7. 8. Water Treatment Safety or Relief Valves Physics & Chemistry Superheaters & Economizers
PASSING SCORE: 70% minimum. Applicants who attain at least 35 correct answers (from 50 questions) in the written Steam Engineer exam or 18 correct answers (from 25 questions) in either the Boiler Operator or Turbine Endorsement written exam will be eligible for the oral interview. Both the written and oral exams must be passed in order to get a boiler operator or steam engineer license or the turbine endorsement. Cheating during the written exams will result in automatic failure of the applicant and may affect the acceptability of the applicant to take other City examinations. SCHEDULING: All applicants will be notified of the examination date by mail. If unable to take the exam, the applicant will automatically be rescheduled. Applications expire 6 months from cashiers validation date. If examinations are not taken within that time, a new application must be filed and new fees paid. The previous fees shall not be refundable. EXAM LOCATION: 201 N. Figueroa St, 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 START TIME: LENGTH OF EXAM: 5:00 PM 1 - 1 HOURS
F. RE-EXAMINATION: Applicants who fail to pass the first examination are entitled to a second examination. Rescheduling for the second examination is automatic. It takes at least four weeks, and requires no additional fee. Applicants will again be notified of the appointment date my mail. Applicants who fail to pass the second examination are required by ordinance to wait at least one month before they may file another application to take the exam. G. IDENTIFICATION: A valid government-issued photo I.D. with signature (such as drivers license, military I.D., or passport) will be required when applicants appear for the examination. Failure to provide the proper I.D. may prevent the applicant from taking the scheduled examination until such time that the required I.D. is available.
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The City of Los Angeles does not approve, certify, rate or endorse any of the information provided below. The information given on where to obtain books and reference materials, which bookstores to obtain them from and which schools or individuals to go to, are merely suggestions and intended to give applicants an initial basis to studying or reviewing for the exam. It is the applicants primary responsibility, and are strongly encouraged, to pursue additional means that will help enhance their chances of passing the examination.
SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR REFERENCE MATERIALS (Additional books may be obtained if necessary)
BOILER OPERATORS GUIDE Harry M. Spring HIGH PRESSURE BOILERS Steingress & Frost RECOMMENDED CARE OF POWER BOILERS A.S.M.E. * Code Section VII
STEAM PLANT OPERATION Woodruff & Lammers
POWER BOILERS A.S.M.E. Code Section I
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS Title 8. Divisions 1 and 2 Boiler & Unfied Pressure Vessel Safety Orders State of California - D.O.S.H.
SUGGESTED BOOKSTORES
BUILDING NEWS BOOKS 10801 National Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 202-7775
OPAMP TECHNICAL BOOKS 1033 North Sycamore Avenue Hollywood, CA 90038 (800) 468-4322
BUILDING NEWS BOOKS 1612 S. Clementine Street Anaheim, CA 92802 (888) 264-2665
SUGGESTED TRAINING SCHOOLS OR FACILITIES
LOCAL 501 OPERATING ENGINEERS (For Members Only) (213) 385-2889 BILL HARRINGTON (Private Tutor) (818) 367-6419 PAUL HOWLAND (Private Tutor) (562) 867-3362 (949) 824-6956
L.A. TRADE TECHNICAL COLLEGE 400 West Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 744-9058
PARKER SCHOOLS FOR INDUSTRY #322 13681 Newport Ave., Suite 8 Tustin, CA 92780 (800) 752-1093
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THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE QUESTIONS WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO THE EXAMINATION FOR A LICENSE TO OPERATE A BOILER CARRYING OVER 15 POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH (PSI) OF STEAM PRESSURE. THIS IS ONLY A STUDY GUIDE.
1. What are the precautions to be observed when starting any boiler that has been closed down overnight? Are there any special precautions required before starting a gas burning boiler? 2. How do you bring a newly-started boiler on line? 3. How do you determine whether the feedwater check valve for the boiler is not closing? 4. What causes foaming in the boiler? How do you know when a boiler is foaming? How do you stop foaming in a boiler? 5. What is boiler priming? What causes priming? How can priming in a boiler damage an engine or pump? 6. What would you do if the pressure gauge on the boiler registered 150 PSI and you knew the safety valve was set to open at 100 PSI? 7. How do you test a safety valve to see if it operates at the proper set pressure? What is the difference between a safety valve and a relief valve? How often do you test these valves? How is a leaking safety valve repaired? 8. How do you change the pressure setting of a safety valve if it popped at a pressure less than the steam pressure you desired? Would you install a shut-off valve between the boiler and its safety valve? 9. What causes heavy black smoke from the firebox of an oil-burning boiler? 10. What does heavy yellow smoke from the firebox of an oil-burning boiler indicate? 11. Name some of the causes of an excessive amount of accumulated soot in the firebox and tubes of an oil burning boiler. 12. How often should a boiler be blown down? If the boiler water is treated, is it necessary to blow down the boiler everyday? Why? What is the purpose of treating the boiler water? What is TDS? 13. What would you do if you could not see the water level in the boiler gauge glass while the boiler is in operation? What would you do if the water level in the gauge glass shifted up and down? 14. If the boiler feedwater pump is operating and the water level in the boiler is not rising, what is the best thing to do? Can you increase the speed of the feedwater pump for more water volume? 15. What is boiler water pH? What pH reading is considered acidic and alkaline? Give an example. 16. What is a superheater? What is the purpose of superheating the steam? Does a superheater require a safety valve? Are there any precautions to be taken when bringing a superheater on line? 17. What causes boiler tubes and other boiler heating surfaces to overheat or fail? 18. How do you prevent corrosion or pitting? What effect has oxygen or carbon dioxide on metals? 19. How long can an operating steam boiler be left unattended? 20. If a boiler was very low on water and showed signs of overheating, should you fill it with water to cool it down?
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CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING & SAFETY BOILER LICENSE APPLICATION - WORK HISTORY SHEET NAME: ____________________________________________ Please type or print with a pen, all the information that you provide concerning your work history with boiler(s) and/or turbine(s) only and beginning with your recent work experience. This sheet must be attached to your application form. (1) Have you had a previous City of Los Angeles boiler license? Yes ______ No ______ (2) Please indicate below with a check mark ( T ) which classification and the license you are applying for. 35 HP ______ 500HP ______ Unlimited HP ______ W/Turbine End. ______ Expiration Date ________
Company__________________________________________ Supervisor _____________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State __________ Zip Code __________ Work Phone ( )_________________ Date of Work Experience: From ______________ To _________________ (Years ______ Months ________) Your Title and description of duties related to boiler and/or turbine operation only: ______________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ List the boiler(s) and/or turbine(s) that you have worked with at this job: Manufacturer ______________________ Boiler Type ______________________ Used As ______________________ HP & PSI ______________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________
Were the boilers connected to a common steam header? Yes ______ No _______
Company__________________________________________ Supervisor _____________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State __________ Zip Code __________ Work Phone ( )_________________ Date of Work Experience: From ______________ To _________________ (Years ______ Months ________) Your Title and description of duties related to boiler and/or turbine operation only: ______________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ List the boiler(s) and/or turbine(s) that you have worked with at this job: Manufacturer ______________________ Boiler Type ______________________ Used As ______________________ HP & PSI ______________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________
Were the boilers connected to a common steam header? Yes ______ No _______
(Please use the next page if you need to add or list more qualifying information)
Company__________________________________________ Supervisor _____________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State __________ Zip Code __________ Work Phone ( )_________________ Date of Work Experience: From ______________ To _________________ (Years ______ Months ________) Your Title and description of duties related to boiler and/or turbine operation only: ______________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ List the boiler(s) and/or turbine(s) that you have worked with at this job: Manufacturer ______________________ Boiler Type ______________________ Used As ______________________ HP & PSI ______________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________
Were the boilers connected to a common steam header? Yes ______ No _______
Company__________________________________________ Supervisor _____________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State __________ Zip Code __________ Work Phone ( )_________________ Date of Work Experience: From ______________ To _________________ (Years ______ Months ________) Your Title and description of duties related to boiler and/or turbine operation only: ______________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ List the boiler(s) and/or turbine(s) that you have worked with at this job: Manufacturer ______________________ Boiler Type ______________________ Used As ______________________ HP & PSI ______________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________
Were the boilers connected to a common steam header? Yes ______ No _______
TRADE LICENSE APPLICATION
201 N. Figueroa Ave., Room 110 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 482-0099 Examination Title: _________________________________________________Date: ___________________ Applicant Name: ______________________________________________ Birth Date: __________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
Address City State Zip
Email:
Phone: _____________________________
Drivers Lic#:___________________ Height: _______ Weight: _________ Eyes: _______ Hair: ________
Employer Name and Address
* Only show experience needed to qualify for examination
Duties Related to Examination
Dates
From: To: From: To: From: To: From: To: From: To:
Total Time
YEARS/MOS YEARS/MOS YEARS/MOS YEARS/MOS YEARS/MOS
I hereby certify that all of the information that I have given herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false statement will subject me to disqualification.
______________________________________________
Applicants Full Signature
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
EXAM NUMBER Exam Date Oral LICENSE NUMBER Written Final Initial EXAM STATUS
FEES
Approved for Exam By Filing Fee One Stop Surcharge System Surcharge Total Fees Due
2nd Fees (if applicable)
For Cashiers Use Only
IN.App29 (Rev 10-07-09)
Application valid for six months
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