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OFTEC Training Courses

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OFTEC - Oil & Renewable Heating Technologies Logo The Guild of Master Craftsmen logo Gas Safe Register Logo APHC: Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors logo A&D Plumbing Services,Plumber,Colchester,

OFTEC Training Courses

When people work with oil-fired equipment, it is vital to ensure they are properly trained to complete the tasks expected of them. Staff who are unable to recognise signs of danger can present a hazard, not just to themselves but to their colleagues and members of the public. Furthermore, as an oil engineer they should be aware of how to deliver the product appropriately, without causing any wastage. It not correct to assume that an employee’s previous training is sufficient for their role year after year. In the oil-fired industry, as in many others, the equipment and procedures change over time. Therefore it is necessary to send staff on refresher courses, this ensures their skills are relevant to current practices.

When an oil-fired system is installed or serviced, the client relies on an engineer to carry out the work properly, if they are let down the consequences can be extremely serious. As with all fossil fuel powered heating systems, there is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty appliance. Carbon monoxide leakages are odourless, invisible and have no taste, so unless an alarm is fitted in a property, the inhabitants may not know there is a problem until it is too late.

A well trained engineer can also spot signs that an oil tank is unfit for purpose and may pose a risk of leakage. Although tanks are generally made from either steel or plastic, they come in a great deal of sizes and shapes. When refuelling a tank, oil engineers can advise the customer if the base is unstable or if it is insufficient for the size of tank. Oil fires that occur within the tank are rare, but spillages during refuelling can result in catastrophic results for the surrounding areas, especially if the tank is situated near a river or another source of water.

If an engineer is properly trained, they can recognise various signs that indicate an oil-fired boiler is functioning inefficiently. As part of the combustion process, smoke and sooty deposits can form inside the heat exchanger, this reduces the amount of heat passed to the water heating element. Over time there will be a significant increase in the energy needed to provide the same amount of warmth, so updating staff on the importance of a clean heat exchanger is helpful in reducing fuel consumption.

Similarly, if an engineer knows what to look for when examining a boiler they can accurately check for wear and tear. Oil nozzles for example do need replacing regularly, this is because as the material wears the part allows larger amounts of fuel into the burner. In turn this excess fuel can cause the heat exchanger to become covered with soot and suffer a reduced output.

When an engineer visits a private property or business premises, the tank and supply pipes should always be examined. A trained oil service engineer can check for signs of corrosion and leaks, replacing the necessary parts before they cause a more serious concern. Regular services result in well maintained appliances that are less likely to develop long term problems, saving clients money on emergency call outs and replacement boilers. However, oil engineers with the correct skills and training can also save their employers money, by reducing the number of visits needed to solve an issue and the time spent on each job.

A&D Plumbing Services is proud to offer the best possible service to all our customers, and we are fully qualified to work on oil fired equipment.

For more information, contact us today 01206 205 940.

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