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ESCO occupation

power plant control room operator

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Power plant control room operators are responsible for the safe and proper operation of power plants, switchyards and associated control structures. They repair and maintain the involved machinery and equipment to ensure the plant's efficient operation and to tackle emergency situations such as blackouts.

3131.3.7 ISCO 3131 ESCO source
Competences
45
Groups
4
Essential
22
Optional
23

Competences and skills

45 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 5 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
power plant instrumentation

The equipment and instruments used for the monitoring and controlling processes in power plants. This requires proper operation, calibration, and regular maintenance.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
electric current

Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.

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electric generators

The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.

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electrical power safety regulations

The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.

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electronics

The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.

digital
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Essential skills and competences 17 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
adapt energy distribution schedules

Monitor the procedures involved in the distribution of energy in order to assess whether energy supply must be increased or decreased depending on changes in demand, and incorporate these changes into the distribution schedule. Ensure that the changes are complied with.

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close circuit breaker

Synchronize incoming generating units with units already in operation. Close the circuit breaker at the exact instant of coincidence between both unit types.

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conduct inter-shift communication

Communicate relevant information about the conditions in the workplace, progress, events, and potential problems to the workers in the next shift.

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maintain power plant machinery

Maintain and repair power plant machinery and equipment to prevent operational problems and ensure all machines perform sufficiently

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monitor electric generators

Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.

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respond to electrical power contingencies

Set in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as power outages, in order to rapidly solve the problem and return to normal operations.

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Cross-sector

11 competences
coordinate remote communications

Direct network and radio communications between different operational units. Receive and transfer further radio or telecom messages or calls. These might include messages from the public, or the emergency services.

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ensure compliance with safety legislation

Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.

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manage emergency procedures

React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.

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monitor automated machines

Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.

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monitor equipment condition

Monitor the correct functioning of gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

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monitor gauge

Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.

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resolve equipment malfunctions

Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.

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troubleshoot

Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

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use remote control equipment

Use a remote control to operate equipment. Watch the equipment closely while operating, and use any sensors or cameras to guide your actions.

digital
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wear appropriate protective gear

Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

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write production reports

Make up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.

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Optional knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
natural gas

The various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.

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smart grids systems

Smart grids are a digital electricity network. The system involves the electronic digital control of production, distribution and use of electricity, information management of the components and energy saving.

digitalgreen
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Cross-sector

6 competences
automation technology

Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.

digital
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electricity

The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

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electricity consumption

The different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made more efficient.

green
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fossil fuels

The types of fuels which contain high doses of carbon and include gas, coal, and petroleum, and the processes by which they are formed, such as the anaerobic decomposition of organisms, as well as the ways in which they are used to generate energy.

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mechanics

Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

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nuclear energy

The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.

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Optional skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
arrange equipment repairs

Arrange for equipment repairs when necessary.

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coordinate electricity generation

Communicate the current demand of electricity generation to electricity generation workers and facilities in order to ensure that the generation of electrical power can be increased or decreased accordingly.

green
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develop strategies for electricity contingencies

Develop and implement strategies which ensure that swift and efficient actions can be taken in the event of a disruption in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy, such as a power outage or sudden increase of demand.

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oversee power equipment operation

Oversee the operation of power equipment. Verify that the equipment is in safe, operating condition.

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read electricity meter

Interpret the measuring instruments which measure the consumption and reception of electricity in a facility or residence, record the results in a correct manner.

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respond to nuclear emergencies

Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.

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supervise electricity distribution operations

Supervise the activities of an electricity distribution facility and the operation of electrical energy distribution systems, such as power lines, in order to ensure compliance with legislation, efficient operations, and that the equipment is properly handled and maintained.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule

Monitor the operations of an electrical energy distribution facility and electricity distribution systems in order to ensure that the distribution goals are met, and the electricity supply demands are met.

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ensure equipment maintenance

Ensure that the equipment required for operations is regularly checked for faults, that routine maintenance tasks are performed, and that repairs are scheduled and performed in the case of damage or flaws.

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ensure safety in electrical power operations

Monitor and control operations on an electrical power transmission and distribution system in order to ensure that major risks are controlled and prevented, such as electrocution risks, damage to property and equipment, and instability of transmission or distribution.

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maintain electrical equipment

Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.

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maintain records of maintenance interventions

Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.

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perform minor repairs to equipment

Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.

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react to events in time-critical environments

Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.

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test procedures in electricity transmission

Perform tests on powerlines and cables, as well as other equipment used for the transmission of electrical power, in order to ensure the cables are well insulated, the voltage can be controlled well, and the equipment is compliant with regulations.

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