ASME QFO - I - 199x


    OCTOBER 1996 DRAFT
        
         CONTENTS


Foreword iii

Committee Roster (to be supplied later) x


SECTION I SCOPE AND PURPOSE

1.1 Scope 
1.2 Definitions 

SECTION 2 DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

2.2 Duties 
2.3 Operator Class Designations 
2.4 Qualifications 
2.5 Certification 

SECTION 3 TESTING

3.1 General 
3.2 Part 1
3.3 Part 2 

SECTION 4 CERTIFICATION PROCESS

4.1 Introduction 
4.2 Application Process 
4.3 Operator Certification 
4.4 Certificate Transportability 
4.5 Recertification 
4.6 Changes to Facility 
4.7 Change of Ownership 
4.8 Revocation of Certification 
4.9 Appeals 







STANDARD FOR THE QUALIFICATION OF HIGH CAPACITY
      FOSSIL FUEL FIRED PLANT OPERATORS



Appendix

1. Examination Guidelines 

FOREWORD
              (This Foreword is not part of ASME QFO-1-1996)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, at the request of the 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) and, in recognition of the 
needs and benefits associated with standard qualifications of 
operators of high capacity fossil fuel fired plants, established the 
Qualifications of High Capacity Fossil Fuel Fired Operator (QFO) 
Committee in 1994. The purpose of the QFO Committee is to develop and 
maintain such a standard for operators.

This standard includes qualifications, duties, responsibilities and 
the certification requirements for operators as appropriate to the 
Clean Air Act as Amended in 1990 for fossil fuel fired plants with 
inputs equal to or greater than 10,000,000 BTU/HR (10 550 E + 06 J). 
This Standard does not cover the certification or validation of fossil 
plant operating procedures, operating practices, facility performance, 
nor compliance with any particular permit requirement.

Certification is based on three components; recommended education, 
experience, and passing a written examination.


There are six classes of available certification, which depend on the 
type of fossil fuel being tired and on the firing method(s). Class A 
certification applies to operators of fossil plants burning pulverized 
fuel (including cyclone). Class B applies to operators of fossil 
plants burning oil or gas or a combination of oil and gas in a single 
burner. Class C applies to operators of fossil plants that burn oil or 
gas or a combination of oil and gas in a multiple burner. Class D 
applies to operators of stoker fired fossil plants. Class F applies to 
operators of fluidized bed fossil plants. Class P applies to operators 
of auxiliary fired heat recovery steam generators (HRSG). Tile 
certification is not site specific and may be applied to the operation 
of a different facility provided the class of the certification is 
comparable with the equipment to be operated.

This standard recognizes the tides or positions to which any 
particular fossil plant operator may apply will vary within a 
facility. Therefore, this standard does not attempt to identify the 
individual who is required to obtain certification in any class 
designation. The fossil plant owner is urged to contact the local 
jurisdiction in which the fossil plant is located in this regard.

This standard does not in itself require certification but rather it 
serves as a means for complying with federal, state, and local 
regulations which required operators of fossil fuel fired boilers with 
inputs equal to or greater than 10,000,000 BTU/ HR (10 550 E + 06 J) 
to be certified. The requirements of this Standard should be taken 
into consideration when drafting and enforcing regulations; e.g., if 
modifications are made to any fossil fuel fired plant, a certain grace 
period should be allowed to let the existing certified operator be 
redesignated.

Safety codes and standards are intended to enhance public health and 
safety. Revisions to this Standard result from committee 
considerations of factors such as technological advances, new data, 
and changing environmental and industry needs. Revisions do not imply 
that previous editions of this standard were inadequate.

This Standard, which was approved by the QFO Committee and ASME, was 
approved by The American National Standards Institute and designated 
an American National Standard on
     
STANDARD FOR THE QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF OPERATORS OF HIGH-
CAPACITY FOSSIL FUEL-FIRED PLANTS

	 ASME QFO-1 - 199X

      
INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1.0 SCOPE AND PURPOSE

1.1 Scope

This standard covers the qualifications, duties, responsibilities and 
certification requirements for an operator of a high capacity fossil 
fuel fired plant, (boiler), as appropriate to the Clean Air Act as 
Amended in 1990 for a fossil fuel fired boiler with input equal to or 
greater than 10,000,000 BTU / hr (10 550 E + 06 J).

1.1.2.(Certified operator)
 
This standard provides a procedure for certification of testing and 
qualifications of the operator. The standard does not identify which 
or how many individuals will be certified.

1.1.3 Exclusions
 
This standard does not cover plants (boilers) exclusively firing;
(a) wood
(b). wood residue
(c). industrial waste
(a). municipal waste
(e). combustion turbine exhaust

1.1.4 Purpose 
 
This standard provides requirements to used in certifying an operator 
of a high capacity fossil fuel fired plant (boiler). These 
requirements recognize the knowledge, training, and experience in the 
physical operation of a plant (boiler) needed to comply with the 
plant's operating permits and related environmental criteria.

This standard does not cover the certification or validation of plant 
operating procedures, operating practices, facility performance, nor 
compliance with permit requirements.

1.2 Definitions

Air Quality Standards: The level of pollutants prescribed by law that 
Cannot be exceeded during a specified time in a defined area.

Boiler: A closed vessel in which water is heated, steam is generated, 
steam is superheated, or any combination thereof by direct application 
of heat. The term boiler shall include fired units for heating or 
vaporizing liquids other than water where these Systems are complete 
within themselves.

Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM): The total equipment, required under 
the emission monitoring sections in applicable subparts (40 CFR 60.2), 
used to sample and condition (if applicable), to analyze, and to 
provide a permanent record of emissions or process parameters.

Coal: Solid hydrocarbons resulting from the decomposition of vegetable 
material under the influence of time, temperature, pressure and micro-
organisms.

Commercial Boiler: A boiler which produces steam or hot water 
primarily for heating in commercial applications with incidental use 
in process applications.

Criteria: The standard EPA has established for Certain pollutants, 
which limits both the concentration and the number of violations per 
year.

Emission Standard: The maximum amount of discharge legally allowed 
from a single source, mobile or stationary.

Facility: See Fossil Fuel Fired Plant.

Fossil Fuel: Natural gas, petroleum, coal, or solid, liquid or gaseous 
fuel derived from such materials.

Fossil Combustion Operator (FCO:). The person certified under this 
Standard. See Paragraph 2.0

Fossil Fuel Fired Plant: Any facility containing one or more fossil 
fuel fired boilers with input rates per fired boiler of 10 million 
Btu/hr (10 550 E + 06 J) or greater.

Fluidized Bed: A process in which a bed of granular particles is 
maintained in mobile suspension by an upward flow of air or gas.

Fuel Oil: Any hydrocarbon oil defined by ASTM D396.

General Industry: An enterprise(s) or organization(s) that produce or 
supply goods or Services.

High Capacity: Aggregate heat input rate of 10 million Btu/hr (10 550 
E + 06 J) or greater.

Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG): A heat exchanger that uses a 
series of heat transfer (e.g., superheater, evaporator, and 
economizer) positioned in the exhaust gas flow of a combustion turbine 
or an internal combustion engine to recover heat and supply a rated 
steam flow at a required temperature and pressure.

Industrial Boiler: A boiler which produces steam or hot water 
primarily for one or more process applications in the industrial 
setting and may produce steam or hot water for industrial use with 
incidental use for heating.

Industrial Process: The manufacturing or treatment of products, goods, 
or services.

Natural Gas: A combustible mixture of methane or higher hydrocarbons 
emitted from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored holes 
and used chiefly as a fuel.

Packaged Boiler: A boiler equipped and shipped complete with fuel 
burning equipment, mechanical draft equipment, automatic controls and 
accessories, usually shipped in one or more major sections.

Plant: See Fossil Fuel Fired Plant.

Pulverized Fuel: Solid fuel reduced to a size such that more than 50 
percent will pass through a 200 mesh sieve (74 microns).

Stoker (mechanical stoker): A device consisting of a mechanically 
operated fuel feeding mechanism and a grate, used for the purpose of 
feeding solid fuel into a furnace, distributing it over a grate, 
admitting air to the fuel for the purpose of combustion, and providing 
a means for removal or discharge of refuse.

Utility Boiler: A boiler which produces steam primarily for the 
production of electricity in the utility industry.


SECTION	 2.0- DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

2.1 This section establishes the duties and qualifications of a fossil 
combustion operator of a high capacity fossil fuel fired boiler.


The titles of positions to which the fossil combustion operator will 
vary within each facility. The fossil combustion operator is the 
individual in direct charge and control of the fossil fuel fired plant 
or is responsible for the overall on-site supervision, technical 
direction, and performance of the plant.

2.2 Duties. 
The duties and responsibilities of a fossil combustion operator may 
include, but are not limited to, the following;

a). overall operation of the boiler(s);
b). establishing site specific operating procedures for the boiler(s);
c). operating the boiler(s) in accordance with policies and procedures
    established for the location;
d). assuring boiler plant personnel are qualified and trained in
    combustion technology, combustion equipment, emission control, and 
    monitoring equipment, policies, and procedures;
c). assuring boiler plant operation is consistent with applicable
    federal, state, and local environmental requirements;
f). supervising, training, and monitoring performance of personnel 
    that operate the boiler plant

2.3. Fossil Combustion Operator Class Designations:
The fossil combustion class designations listed below are based on the 
type of fossil fuel fired and firing methods.

     Class A Pulverized fuel fired plants and cyclone furnaces
     Class B Single burner oil, gas, or combination fired plants
     Class C Multiple burner oil, gas, or combination fired plants
     Class D Stoker fired plants
     Class E Fluidized bed plants
     Class F Auxiliary fired heat recovery steam generators

2.4 Qualifications. The qualifications for fossil combustion operator
    under this standard are as follows;

a). High school diploma or equivalent with two years experience in 
    general
    industry or industrial process. A portion of this experience shall 
    include boiler operations.

            or
 
b). An associate degree in technical studies or sixty credits of 
    course work from an accredited institution in the following
    subjects;
     1). advanced mathematics
     2). chemistry
     3). fluid dynamics
     4). thermodynamics
     5). materials science
     6). combustion theory
     7). environmental, mechanical, civil, chemical, or electrical
         engineering with one year experience in general industry or 
         industrial process. A portion of this experience shall
         include boiler operations.

           or

c). A baccalaureate degree in physical science or engineering with one 
    year experience in general industry or industrial process. A 
    portion of this experience shall include boiler operations,

          and

d). have demonstrated the understanding of fossil combustion
    principles and combustion safety principles by passing a written 
    examination as outlined in Section 3 of this Standard.

2.5 Certification: 
    Operator certification, renewal, or change in classification shall
    be in accordance with Section 4.0 of this Standard.


SECTION 3.0 TESTING

3.1 General: 
There shall be separate examinations for each of the classifications 
listed in Paragraph 2.3. The examinations shall be structured as 
closed book, multiple choice, written examinations. Each examination 
shall consist of two parts.

Part I - addresses general knowledge and shall include no less than 75 
nor more than 125 questions. Part 1 shall be a two(2) hour 
examination.

Part 2 - addresses the specific fossil combustion operator 
classification(s); one examination for each classification. Each 
specific classification examination shall include no less than 50 nor 
more than 75 questions. A One (1) hour time period will be allotted 
for each specific classification.

To achieve certification, an applicant must correctly answer at least 
70% of the questions in Part I and at least 70% of the questions in 
each Part 2 taken.


3.2 Part 1 The general knowledge examination shall include the 
categories as listed in the Examination Guidelines (Appendix 1).

3.3 Part 2. Each classification specific examination shall include 
applicable As questions on the various categories listed in the 
Examination Guidelines (Appendix 1).


SECTION 4.0 CERTIFICATION PROCESS


4.1 Introduction 

This section covers the process necessary to certify the fossil 
combustion operator of a high capacity fossil fuel fired plant in 
accordance with this standard.

4.2 Application Process

Each applicant for high capacity fossil fuel fired operator 
certification shall complete a written application on forms which 
allow for verification that the applicant's education and experience 
meet the requirements outlined in section 2.0 of this standard.

4.2.1 Single Classification Application

Individuals desiring certification for a single classification shall 
submit a Single Classification Application. This application requires 
the individual to complete Part One(I) of the examination and one Part 
Two (2) of the examination.

Single Classification Applications shall provide the following:

(a) documentation of experience confirming operational knowledge of
    the equipment for the applied classification. Documentation shall
    include type and size of the applicable equipment.

(b) a brief history of applicable training

4.2.2 Multiple Classification Application
Individuals desiring certification for more than one classification 
shall submit a Multiple Classification Application. This application 
requires the individual to complete a Part One(1) examination and more 
than one Part Two (2) examination.

Multiple Classification Applications shall provide the following:

(a) Documentation of experience confirming operational knowledge of
    the equipment forall applicable classifications. Documentation 
    shall include type and size of all applicable equipment.

(b) A brief history of all applicable training.


4.2.3 Application for Additional Classification
The "Application for Additional Classification" shall be completed by 
the applicant who is currently certified in one or more of the 
classifications outlined in paragraph 2.3 A currently certified 
individual is exempt from taking Part I of the examination.

The Application for Additional Classification shall provide the 
following:

(a) Documentation of experience confirming operational knowledge of
    the equipment for the applied classification(s). Documentation 
    shall include types and sizes of the applicable equipment.

(b) A brief history of applicable training.

4.2.4 Application Forms
Application forms for certification can be obtained from

     QFO Certification Program
     ASME Accreditation & Certification
     345 East 47th St.
     New York, NY 10017

Up on acceptance of the completed application, ASME will notify the 
applicant of the dates and locations of the next scheduled 
examinations.

4.3 Operator Certification

4.3.1 The certificate shall expire 5 years after its issue date unless 
renewed. A high capacity fossil fuel fired operator certificate will 
be issued when the following are met:

(a) Certification qualifications for the classifications outlined in 
    Paragraph 2.3

(b) Successful completion of an operator certification examination as 
    outlined in section 3 of this standard.

4.3.2 Each certificate shall contain the following minimum information

     (a) identification as a high capacity fossil fuel fired operator 
         certificate

     (b) class of certification in accordance with Paragraph 2.3

     (c) certified individual's full name

     (d) effective date of the certification

     (e) expiration date of the certification

     (f) serial number to assure traceability and accuracy

     (g) signature of a designated ASME representative.

4.4 Certificate Transportability. The certificate is transportable and 
applies only to the scope of equipment and equipment classification 
listed on the certificate.

4.5 Recertification.

The certificate holder shall submit an application for recertification 
prior to the expiration of an existing certification. A written 
examination for recertification is not required provided the 
certificate holder submits notarized documentation showing they have 
maintained experience in their classification for a minimum of 3 of 
the previous 5 years. The certificate holder shall take a written 
examination for recertification when they are unable to document 
operational experience in the classification.
                            
If the recertification experience requirement is not met, the existing 
certification will expire. To regain certification, the individual 
must complete the requirements of Paragraph 4.2 of this standard.

4.6 Changes to Facility.

Equipment or modifications resulting in a new Class operator 
designation requires that the certified individual take the 
examination for the new Class certification.

4.7 Change of Ownership.

A change in the ownership of a fossil fuel fired plant shall not 
invalidate the operator certificate.

4.8 Revocation of Certification.

High capacity fossil fuel fired operator certification(s) may be
revoked by ASME for reasons of falsifying or providing inaccurate 
information in the certification process.

4.9 Appeals.

Appeals regarding operator certification(s) shall be conducted in 
accordance with the ASME appeal policies and procedures.