What is Operator Qualification (OQ)?

Operator Qualification is a program that pipeline operators of hazardous liquids and gas must possess and adhere to according to state and federal codes. It involves written guidelines and requirements that operators must follow to ensure the safe and responsible operation of pipelines.

OQ is intended to reduce pipeline accidents and incidents by ensuring that individuals who perform “covered tasks” on pipeline facilities are trained and qualified. Read more to learn what tasks to include in your OQ plan, areas to address in your OQ program, and how EWN can help. 

COVERED TASKS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PLAN

State and federal codes provide criteria for identifying covered tasks. On the federal level, the “four-part-test” lists covered task requirements. Some states may have more strict covered task identification criteria. Additionally, operators themselves may create criteria for defining covered tasks.

It’s important to note that the federal code is the minimum standard. States can exceed federal requirements, and operators can establish additional covered tasks. However, all OQ programs must, at a minimum, include tasks that state and federal requirements consider covered.   

For specific guidance in identifying covered tasks, operators and contractors may refer to ASME’s B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification Standard and the American Petroleum Institute’s RP 1161, Recommended Practice for Pipeline Operator Qualification.

AREAS TO ADDRESS IN YOUR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM

Federal code (in §192.805 for gas and §195.505 for hazardous liquids) provides minimum requirements for operators to follow when creating their written operator qualification program. They are:

1. Identify covered tasks;
2. Ensure through evaluation that individuals performing covered tasks are qualified;
3. Allow individuals that are not qualified pursuant to this subpart to perform a covered task if directed and observed by an individual that is qualified;
4. Evaluate an individual if the operator has reason to believe that the individual’s performance of a covered task contributed to an incident as defined in Part 191;
5. Evaluate an individual if the operator has reason to believe that the individual is no longer qualified to perform a covered task;
6. Communicate changes that affect covered tasks to individuals performing those covered tasks;
7. Identify those covered tasks and the intervals at which evaluation of the individual’s qualifications is needed;
8. After December 16, 2004, provide training, as appropriate, to ensure that individuals performing covered tasks have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the tasks in a manner that ensures the safe operation of pipeline facilities; and
9. After December 16, 2004, notify the Administrator or a state agency participating under 49 USC Chapter 601 if an operator significantly modifies the program after the administrator or state agency has verified that it complies with this section. Notifications to PHMSA must be submitted in accordance with § 192.18.

States may have additional requirements.

EWN IS HERE TO HELP CREATE AND UPDATE YOUR OPERATOR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM

Energy Worldnet’s skilled professionals specialize in creating and updating OQ plans and task lists. Many operators are unaware of potential regulatory compliance issues until an inspector discovers them.

By that time, it’s too late.

EWN works closely with operators and contractors to identify problems and to develop and implement solutions before they become an embarrassing regulatory agency enforcement action.

EWN employs former OQ administrators and state and federal regulatory agency inspectors who are uniquely qualified to assess and improve your OQ plan. EWN team members serve on industry OQ committees, such as ASME’s B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification Committee and the American Petroleum Institute’s RP 1161, Recommended Practice for Pipeline Operator Qualification Committee, making EWN the right choice to assess your OQ program and to guide you in continually improving it.