1. (a) Implementation.

   1. (1) The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.
   2. (2) School districts shall implement the employability skills student expectations listed in §127.15(d)(2) of this chapter (relating to Career and Technical Education Employability Skills) as an integral part of this course.
2. (b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: at least one credit in a course from the Manufacturing Career Cluster. Recommended prerequisite: Algebra I or Geometry. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.

3. (c) Introduction.

   1. (1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.
   2. (2) The Manufacturing Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engineering.
   3. (3) Mechanical Maintenance is designed to introduce students to knowledge and skills used in the proper application of mechanical maintenance. The study of mechanical maintenance and hands-on application allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of relevant activities. Students gain an understanding of what employers require to gain and maintain employment in manufacturing careers and potential hazards faced by the maintenance technician in an industrial setting.
   4. (4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other organizations that foster leadership and career development in the profession such as student chapters of related professional associations.
   5. (5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

4. (d) Knowledge and skills.

   1. (1) The student understands the foundations of occupational safety and health. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain and discuss the responsibilities of workers and employers to promote safety and health and the rights of workers to a secure workplace;
      2. (B) explain and discuss the importance of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and OSHA requirements for organizations;
      3. (C) explain and discuss the importance of how OSHA inspections are conducted;
      4. (D) explain and discuss the role of national and state regulatory entities;
      5. (E) explain the role industrial hygiene plays in occupational safety and explain types of industrial hygiene hazards, including physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic;
      6. (F) discuss the importance of safe walking and working surfaces in the workplace;
      7. (G) discuss best practices for preventing or reducing slips, trips, and falls in the workplace;
      8. (H) describe types of electrical hazards in the workplace and the risks associated with these hazards;
      9. (I) describe control methods to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace;
      10. (J) analyze the hazards of handling, storing, using, and transporting hazardous materials;
      11. (K) identify and discuss ways to reduce exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace;
      12. (L) identify workplace health and safety resources, including emergency plans, and discuss how these resources are used to make decisions in the workplace;
      13. (M) describe elements of a safety and health program, including management leadership, worker participation, and education and training;
      14. (N) explain the purpose and importance of written emergency action plans and fire protection plans;
      15. (O) describe key components of evacuation plans, emergency exit routes, fire hazards lists;
      16. (P) explain the role of emergency personnel within an organization;
      17. (Q) explain components of a hazard communication program; and
      18. (R) explain and provide examples of safety and health training requirements specified by standard setting organizations such as OSHA and industrial companies.

   2. (2) The student demonstrates safe work habits while performing mechanical activities in a mechanical maintenance setting. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify and describe proper storage and disposal procedures for hazardous materials using Safety Data Sheets (SDS);
      2. (B) identify and demonstrate use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including ear plugs, safety glasses, dust masks, and respirators, in the manufacturing industry;
      3. (C) describe and demonstrate proper lockout/tagout procedures;
      4. (D) describe and demonstrate safe operation of hand tools needed for disassembly and reassembly of mechanical parts; and
      5. (E) identify and select appropriate PPE needed to operate various hand tools, including gloves for protection from pinch points, sharp edges, and hot surfaces.

   3. (3) The student examines the operation of various pumps. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify components of a centrifugal pump, including vane, internal seals, and bearings;
      2. (B) identify components of a positive displacement piston pump, including rings, seals, pistons, and crankshaft;
      3. (C) identify components of a positive displacement diaphragm pump, including diaphragm, check valves, and internal seals;
      4. (D) explain the function of a pressure tank and effects on flow with a diaphragm pump;
      5. (E) explain and demonstrate how to fill a suction line to prime a pump;
      6. (F) identify components of a check valve in pumps; and
      7. (G) explain the function of a check valve in maintaining pump priming by preventing back flow and ensuring fluid flow.

   4. (4) The student examines the operation of various compressors. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify components of compressors, including the piston, crankshaft, and cylinders, and explain how these components work together to compress air or other gases;
      2. (B) explain the operation of a piston compressor and how the components work together to increase pressure;
      3. (C) differentiate between a single-stage and two-stage piston compressor;
      4. (D) identify and explain the function of intercoolers in two-stage piston compressors;
      5. (E) identify and explain the function of after coolers in two-stage piston compressors;
      6. (F) identify components of a rotary screw compressor, including screws, compression chamber, intake valves, and discharge valves;
      7. (G) explain the operation of a rotary screw compressor and how the components work together to increase pressure; and
      8. (H) explain the importance of dryers with industrial compressors, including how dryers prevent corrosion, improve efficiency, and extend equipment lifespan.

   5. (5) The student analyzes test or performance data to assess equipment operation. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) inspect equipment parts, including bearings, bolts, housing, and shafts, to identify typical defects such as breakage or excessive wear;
      2. (B) observe equipment in operation to check for potential problems such as leaks, misalignment, and overheating; and
      3. (C) test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning of equipment after replacement or repair of parts.

   6. (6) The student uses prints, specifications, and diagrams to perform installation, disassembly, and assembly of mechanical systems. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify components of pumps, compressors, and mechanical drives in mechanical drawings and diagrams;
      2. (B) apply torque to fasteners as prescribed in equipment manuals during reassembly;
      3. (C) identify input and output capability of pumps and compressors according to manufacturer specifications;
      4. (D) identify input and output speed and torque capability of belt, chain, and gear driven mechanical drives systems according to manufacturer specifications;
      5. (E) locate part numbers using a diagram; and
      6. (F) use a logbook or computer to record information about parts, materials, and repair procedures.

   7. (7) The student uses industrial maintenance skills to safely disassemble and assemble various types of pumps for the purpose of maintenance and repair. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify safety hazards, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal risks, associated with assembly and disassembly of pumps;
      2. (B) explain the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures for pumps to reduce electrical, mechanical, and thermal hazards;
      3. (C) identify tools and describe procedures used in the disassembly and assembly of a centrifugal pump;
      4. (D) identify tools and describe procedures used in the disassembly and assembly of a diaphragm pump;
      5. (E) inspect pumps to locate damage, defects, and wear;
      6. (F) operate pumps to ensure correct function such as rotation direction, prime, and flow;
      7. (G) explain and demonstrate proper lubrication procedures for pumps; and
      8. (H) use a logbook or computer to record information about parts, materials, and repair procedures.

   8. (8) The student uses industrial maintenance skills to safely disassemble and assemble various types of compressors for the purpose of maintenance and repair. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify safety hazards, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal risks, associated with assembly and disassembly of compressors;
      2. (B) explain the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures for compressors to reduce electrical, mechanical, and thermal hazards;
      3. (C) identify tools and describe procedures used in the disassembly and assembly of a reciprocating compressor;
      4. (D) identify tools and describe procedures used in the disassembly and assembly of a rotary screw compressor;
      5. (E) inspect compressors to locate damage, defects, and wear;
      6. (F) operate newly reassembled compressor to ensure correct function such as direction of rotation;
      7. (G) explain and demonstrate proper lubrication procedures for compressors; and
      8. (H) use a logbook or computer to record information about parts, materials, and repair procedures.

   9. (9) The student examines and recognizes internal components of various pumps and compressors. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify internal seals and vanes in various compressors and pumps, including centrifugal, vane, and diaphragm pumps;
      2. (B) inspect vanes in a centrifugal pump for wear and damage;
      3. (C) inspect internal seals in pumps and compressors for wear and damage;
      4. (D) inspect diaphragm for damage, defects, and wear;
      5. (E) identify bearings on pumps and compressors; and
      6. (F) inspect bearings on pumps and compressors for damage and wear.

   10. (10) The student understands the purpose of specific internal components of various pumps and compressors. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) explain the purpose of internal seals on compressors and pumps;
       2. (B) explain the function and operation of bearings on compressors and pumps;
       3. (C) identify and explain the function of check valves in a diaphragm pump; and
       4. (D) explain lubrication requirements for pumps and compressors.

   11. (11) The student understands the purpose of specific internal components of gear boxes. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) identify and explain the function of spur gears in mechanical drive systems;
       2. (B) identify and explain the function of helical gears in mechanical drive systems;
       3. (C) identify and explain the function of miter and bevel gears in mechanical drive systems;
       4. (D) differentiate between miter and bevel gears in mechanical drive systems; and
       5. (E) identify and explain the function of slingers for lubrication distribution in mechanical drive systems.

   12. (12) The student applies industrial maintenance skills to safely disassemble and assemble various types of mechanical drives. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) identify tools and describe procedures used in the disassembly and assembly of belt, chain, and gear driven mechanical drives; and
       2. (B) identify safety hazards associated with assembly and disassembly of belt, chain, and gear driven mechanical drives.

   13. (13) The student understands the use of drive belts and chains for speed control. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) identify belt style, size, and application on a mechanical drive system to meet speed and torque specifications;
       2. (B) identify proper sheave for belt application on a mechanical drive system;
       3. (C) differentiate between a drive and driven sheave in mechanical drive systems;
       4. (D) calculate sheave ratios for speed adjustments on a mechanical drive system;
       5. (E) inspect sheave and belt for wear and possible replacement on a mechanical drive system;
       6. (F) identify drive chain size to match sprocket used on a mechanical drive system;
       7. (G) calculate sprocket ratios for speed adjustments on a mechanical drive system;
       8. (H) adjust chain length by breaking roller chain with special chain breaking tools;
       9. (I) assemble a chain on a mechanical drive system according to length and tension requirements; and
       10. (J) inspect sprocket and chain for wear and possible replacement on a mechanical drive system.

   14. (14) The student examines career opportunities and educational requirements in manufacturing and technology. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) identify special skill career pathways in manufacturing such as an industrial maintenance technician, mechanical installer, mechanical repair, and mechanical troubleshooter;
       2. (B) identify and explain the importance of industry networking opportunities such as career or job fairs; and
       3. (C) describe the roles and functions of an industrial maintenance technician in manufacturing.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.829 adopted to be effective February 24, 2026, 51 TexReg 1124.