They frequently are the only persons at a facility who have the knowledge of how these systems work. They are vested with the responsibility of ensuring that the boiler and other facility systems work in a safe, effective and efficient manner. The work of stationary engineers is varied and complex. They are responsible for the operation, maintenance, renovation and repair of boiler systems and all other mechanical systems within a given facility. These workers are called stationary engineers because the equipment they operate is similar to equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers except it is not in a vehicle that moves.
Stationary engineers start up, regulate, repair and shut down equipment.
They ensure that equipment operates safely and economically and within established limits by monitoring attached meters, gauges, and other instruments, and increasingly, computerized controls. They manually control equipment and make the necessary adjustments. They use hand and power tools to perform repairs and maintenance ranging from a complete overhaul to replacing defective valves, gaskets, or bearings. They also record relevant events and facts concerning operation and maintenance in an equipment log. On steam boilers, for example, they observe, control, and record steam pressure, temperature, water level, power output, and fuel consumption.