What was it like to work in the engine room of a steamship? Objective In this 40-minute lesson, students will be able to analyze primary sources and synthesize the information to explain the experience of an oiler in the engine room. Background Work in the engine room was dangerous. The shifts were long. Oilers in the engine room had to make sure that the engine was properly lubricated. They oiled the machines every hour and checked on them frequently by putting their fingers into the rotating parts. If their fingers were blue, then the system was fine. If their fingers were black, then there Duration: 30 Minutes.