A NEW hands-on course aimed at improving steam safety among heritage volunteers is set to run this spring, offering practical instruction for anyone working with stationary engines, steam boilers or road steam machinery.
The Basic Steam Safety for Volunteers programme, delivered by the Boiler & Engineering Skills Training Trust (BESTT) in partnership with Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum in Somerset, will take place on April 18/19.
Designed for complete beginners, the course focuses on safe steam operation and legal good practice. Day one (£50) introduces the fundamentals of steam safety, explores common risks and how to prevent them, and includes demonstrations of boilers in steam alongside guidance on boiler examination. Participants will receive tuition from experienced steam engineers, including BESTT trainers.
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An optional second day (£25) expands the training with practical sessions on pipework, valves, gaskets and pipe threading, offering volunteers a deeper understanding of the systems they may encounter in heritage settings.
Attendees will receive CPD recognition and a certificate of attendance. Organisers said the course is intended to support the growing number of volunteers involved in the operation and preservation of historic steam machinery, ensuring confidence and competence across the sector.
Registration is now open by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Safe Steam Operation Course”. Further information on BESTT’s wider training programme is available by contacting [email protected]
