When taking over a shift, the first thing to check is the ________.

When taking over a shift as a stationary steam engineer, the water level in each boiler is the first thing to check. This is crucial because the water level directly impacts the safe operation of the boiler. If the water level is too low, it can lead to overheating and potential failure of the boiler, which can result in hazardous situations, including boiler explosions. Ensuring that the water level is within the safe operating range is essential for maintaining the integrity of the system and preventing accidents.

While checking fuel levels, flow meters, and pressure gauges are important tasks, they come after confirming that the water levels are adequate. The primary focus on safety and operational stability necessitates that water levels are assessed first to ensure that the boiler can operate safely before addressing the other operational parameters.