About this role
The Utility Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant utility systems required for manufacturing, fabrication, production, and other industrial activities.
The primary objective is to ensure uninterrupted availability of compressed air, cooling water, industrial water, steam, nitrogen, electrical backup power, and other essential utilities.
The operator must monitor equipment performance, maintain operating parameters, perform routine inspections, identify abnormalities, coordinate preventive maintenance, and ensure compliance with plant safety procedures and applicable engineering standards.
3. Detailed Roles and Responsibilities
A. Air Compressor Operation
Operate screw-type and reciprocating air compressors.
Start and stop compressors according to approved operating procedures.
Monitor compressor discharge pressure and temperature.
Check compressor oil level and lubrication condition.
Monitor air receiver pressure.
Check moisture separators and automatic drain systems.
Inspect air filters, oil filters, and air intake filters.
Monitor compressor loading and unloading cycles.
Check abnormal vibration, noise, and overheating.
Monitor compressed-air leakage in distribution pipelines.
Ensure sufficient compressed-air supply to production equipment.
Coordinate compressor servicing and preventive maintenance.
Maintain daily compressor operating records.
B. Cooling Tower Operation
Operate cooling tower fans and circulating water pumps.
Monitor cooling water inlet and outlet temperatures.
Check cooling tower basin water level.
Monitor water circulation and flow rate.
Check fan motor and gearbox operating conditions.
Monitor vibration and abnormal noise.
Inspect cooling tower nozzles and fill material.
Monitor water quality and chemical dosing.
Check blowdown and makeup water systems.
Prevent excessive scaling, corrosion, and biological growth.
Operate centrifugal and other plant utility pumps.
Check pump suction and discharge pressure.
Verify pump priming requirements before starting.
Monitor motor current and operating temperature.
Inspect mechanical seals and gland packing.
Check bearing temperature and lubrication.
Monitor abnormal vibration and noise.
Check leakage from pump casing, flanges, and pipelines.
Monitor standby pump availability.
Perform routine pump changeover as per operating procedures.
Coordinate pump maintenance and repair activities.
Maintain pump inspection records.
D. Boiler and Steam System Operation
Where the plant has a boiler, responsibilities include:
Operate boiler equipment only when trained and authorized.
Monitor steam pressure and temperature.
Monitor boiler feedwater level.
Check feedwater pumps and chemical dosing systems.
Monitor fuel supply and combustion conditions.
Check safety valves, pressure gauges, and alarms.
Monitor blowdown operations as per procedure.
Check steam pipeline leakage.
Inspect steam traps and condensate return systems.
Maintain boiler operating logs.
Follow statutory boiler operating and safety requirements.
E. RO Plant and Water Treatment System
Operate industrial RO water treatment systems.
Monitor raw water and treated water supply.
Check RO feed pressure and discharge pressure.
Monitor permeate flow and reject flow.
Check TDS and conductivity.
Monitor pH and water quality parameters.
Check chemical dosing systems.
Monitor cartridge filters and membrane performance.
Perform filter backwashing as per operating procedure.
Monitor water softener and DM plant operations, if installed.
Maintain water treatment chemical records.
Report abnormal conductivity and membrane performance.
F. Nitrogen and Industrial Gas Supply
Monitor nitrogen supply pressure and availability.
Check nitrogen pipeline connections and valves.
Monitor pressure regulators and gauges.
Check gas supply alarms and system indicators.
Coordinate nitrogen cylinder or bulk supply replacement.
Follow approved procedures for nitrogen purging and blanketing support.
Maintain gas supply records.
Follow oxygen-deficiency precautions when working around nitrogen systems.