What is operator qualification (OQ)?
What is Operator Qualification (OQ)? The US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations require those who perform covered tasks on gas facilities be qualified by their knowledge and experience in order to protect life and property. What is a Covered Task?
Who is responsible for an OQ program?
Under the rule, each pipeline operator is responsible for developing an OQ program, following their written OQ plan, establishing a covered task list applicable to their system, and defining the training and qualification requirements for personnel performing covered tasks on their pipeline facility.
What is the OQ rule for pipeline operators?
The OQ Rule. DOT requires pipeline operators to develop and maintain a qualification program to address the following nine protocols: Document program plan, implementing procedures and qualification criteria. Identify covered tasks and related evaluation methods. Identify individuals performing covered tasks.
Which system do you use for operator qualifications?
I much prefer MEA’s system over others that we use for Operator Qualifications. The EnergyU system is fairly user friendly as far as setting up new people, enrolling in courses, accessing performance evaluation forms, granting successful evaluation certificates, generating reports, etc.
Why are pipeline operators required to have individuals who perform covered tasks trained and qualified?
How to become qualified for EnergyU?
What is operator qualification rule?
This rule, which was adopted into the Code of Federal Regulations, requires pipeline operators to document that certain employees have been adequately trained to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may occur while performing specific tasks.
How do I get OQ qualified?
We'll identify your needs and design an Operator Qualification process that fits your company from among the following ITS solutions:Create an OQ Plan. Your OQ Plan outlines the covered tasks you perform and details how you qualify your workforce. ... Choose Your Testing and Training. ... Demonstrate Workforce Performance.
What does OQ mean in construction?
The Operator Qualification rule was adopted into the Code of Federal Regulations under Subpart N in 49 CFR Part 192 and Subpart G in 49 CFR Part 195.
How long is OQ training Good For?
MEA supports these efforts through a one-day initial evaluator classroom training and online refresher training. MEA approved OQ evaluator status must be renewed every three years.
What does OQ certified mean?
PG&E Operator Qualification (OQ) overview Operator Qualification is required for any work on the gas pipeline system or in construction of new gas pipeline facilities that will be connected to the gas pipeline system.
What is an OQ certification?
OQ stands for operator qualification. The Pipeline Operator Qualification (OQ) training is a set of courses developed to help pipeline operators meet the DOT Operator Qualification Rule requirements—the OQ Rule (more about that in a moment). And that includes Subpart N 49, Subpart G 49, CFR Part 192, and CFR Part 195.
What is IQ OQ PQ DQ?
In line with GMP guidance, we provide Design Qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ) and Perfomance Qualification (PQ) services, to support validation and quality protocols.
What is the difference between OQ and PQ?
Operational Qualification (OQ) checks and documents that each individual function of the item performs as expected. For example, does it runs at the required speed or heats up a liquid to the required temperature. Performance Qualification (PQ) checks and documents that the equipment and systems meet the users' needs.
What is IQ PQ and OQ?
What Do IQ, OQ and PQ Mean? The meaning of IQ, OQ and PQ are installation qualification, operational qualification and performance qualification, respectively. They represent quality assurance protocols for each phase of the manufacturing process for pharmaceutical equipment.
What does a pipeline operator do?
A pipeline operator—also known as a pump operator, gauger or gas operator—is a technical professional who controls the flow of gas, oil and other materials through pipelines.
How long should pipeline records be kept?
five yearsRecords of prior qualification and those for individuals no longer performing covered tasks shall be retained for at least five years. 49 CFR 192.807(b), 195.507(b). The operator is required to maintain records that demonstrate compliance with the pipeline safety regulations.
What is the maximum operating pressure a pipeline should be allowed to reach?
§ 192.619 Maximum allowable operating pressure: Steel or plastic pipelines. (ii) If the pipe is 123⁄4 inches (324 mm) or less in outside diameter and is not tested to yield under this paragraph, 200 p.s.i. (1379 kPa).
What is Veriforce Qi?
Veriforce is a contractor safety and supplier management services software solution that enables companies to hire and manage safe and certified contractors, and safeguard their supply chain.
What is a covered task?
Covered task means any task that:• Is performed on a pipeline facility;• Is an operations or maintenance task;• Is performed as a requirement of 49 CFR Part 192; and• Could affect the operation or integrity of the pipeline. Sample 1.
PG&E Gas Pipeline Operator Qualifications
PG&E Operator Qualification (OQ) overview. Federal and State regulation CFR 49.192, Subpart N and GO 112F require that individuals performing covered tasks on the gas pipeline system hold the applicable qualifications at the time of performing the work. Operator Qualification is required for any work on the gas pipeline system or in construction of new gas pipeline facilities that will be ...
Operator Qualification | American Gas Association
Operator Qualification, Cost Recovery & Other Pipeline Safety Changes. AGA submitted comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published on July 10, 2015 (80 FR 39916).
Operator Qualification - EnergyU
EnergyU for Operator Qualification (OQ) EnergyU is the most commonly used and widely trusted OQ training and testing program in the world. MEA's OQ training materials were created with the assistance of approximately 100 leading distribution companies.
Operator Qualification Guide - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety ...
Operator Qualification Guide - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety ...
What can we do for your company?
We will get your workforce Operator Qualified and maintain qualification for any covered task related to the natural gas, propane, and hazardous liquid pipeline industries.
What is Operator Qualification (OQ)?
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations require those who perform covered tasks on gas facilities be qualified by their knowledge and experience in order to protect life and property.
What is a Covered Task?
Covered tasks are defined in an operator’s written plan which defines specific job functions or activities personnel are qualified to perform on a pipeline facility. In order for an activity to be considered a covered task, the following must apply:
The OQ Rule
DOT requires pipeline operators to develop and maintain a qualification program to address the following nine protocols:
Why are pipeline operators required to have individuals who perform covered tasks trained and qualified?
To assure safety in the transport of hazardous gases and liquids in the nation’s pipelines , pipeline operators are required to have individuals who perform covered tasks trained and qualified.
How to become qualified for EnergyU?
Generally, to gain an INITIAL qualification for a specific covered task, an individual must complete the EnergyU online training (TNG), and then pass the knowledge test (KNT) and performance evaluation (PEF) for the task.
What is a qualified person?
OSHA defines a Qualified Person as: “A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge or training and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”.
Who determines if an employee is qualified?
The employer will have to determine if an employee is qualified and have answers to questions like:
What does "designated person" mean?
“A person selected or assigned by the employer or the employer’s representatives as being competent to perform specific duties.”. However, ASME does not provide a definition for “competent.”.
What is a competent person in OSHA?
OSHA defines a Competent Person as: “One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” [OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32 (f)]
What are the two words that stand out in the definition of competent person?
Of course, there are more questions and some ambiguity when reading this definition of competent person, but certainly two words stand out—“capable” and “authorized.”
What is the responsibility of an employer to determine if an employee is qualified to perform the job or task at hand?
Ultimately, the major takeaway is to understand that it’s the responsibility of the employer to determine if an employee is qualified to perform the job or task at hand, based on related training, degrees, certifications, and applicable experience.
Does OSHA certify trainers?
OSHA does not provide a definition of a Certified Person, and as a general rule, does not certify employees, trainers, or training programs.
Why is operator qualification important?
Operator Qualification is vital for the safety of your employees and communities, and we know the process can get complicated.
What is an OQ plan?
Your OQ Plan outlines the covered tasks you perform and details how you qualify your workforce.
What is an OQ in pipelines?
Federal law requires operators of energy pipelines to have an Operator Qualification (OQ) Plan and Program in place to reduce human error and protect life and property. Discover industry-proven solutions that give pipeline operators the clearest and simplest path to compliance. CONTACT US WITH QUESTIONS.
What is the Train the Trainer program?
Train your instructors and evaluators through our Train-the-Trainer program, which covers training best practices and how to conduct exam testing and performance evaluations following ITS protocols.
Is Industrial Training Services an accredited provider?
Industrial Training Services has been approved as an Accredited Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). In obtaining this accreditation, ITS has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standards which are widely recognized as standards of good practice internationally. As a result of their Accredited Provider membership status, ITS is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standards.
Who is an operator of the military?
For purposes of this section, an operator who is an employee of the U.S. military meets the requirements of this section if he/she has a current operator qualification issued by the U.S. military for operation of the equipment. An employee of the U.S. military is a Federal employee of the Department of Defense or Armed Forces and does not include employees of private contractors.
What is operator training?
The employer must provide each operator-in-training with sufficient training, through a combination of formal and practical instruction, to ensure that the operatorin- training develops the skills, knowledge, and ability to recognize and avert risk necessary to operate the equipment safely for assigned work.
What must the operator in training be in direct communication with each other?
For equipment other than tower cranes: The operator's trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct line of sight of each other. In addition, they must communicate verbally or by hand signals. For tower cranes: The operator's trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct communication with each other.
What is the maximum lifting capacity of a derrick crane?
Operators of derricks (see §1926.1436), sideboom cranes (see §1926.1440), or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less (see §1926.1441) are not required to comply with §1926.1427. Note: The training requirements in those other sections continue to apply (for the training requirement for operators of sideboom cranes, follow section 1926.1430 (c)).
Who must provide instruction on the knowledge and skills listed in paragraphs (j) (1) and (2) of this section to the?
The employer must provide instruction on the knowledge and skills listed in paragraphs (j) (1) and (2) of this section to the operator-in-training.
Can an employer assign tasks to an operator in training?
The employer may only assign tasks within the operator-in-training's ability. However, except as provided in paragraph (b) (3) (v) of this section, the operator-in-training shall not operate the equipment in any of the following circumstances unless certified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section:
Can an employee operate equipment in training?
Operation during training. An employee who has not been certified/licensed and evaluated to operate assigned equipment in accordance with this section may only operate the equipment as an operator-in-training under supervision in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
Why are pipeline operators required to have individuals who perform covered tasks trained and qualified?
To assure safety in the transport of hazardous gases and liquids in the nation’s pipelines , pipeline operators are required to have individuals who perform covered tasks trained and qualified.
How to become qualified for EnergyU?
Generally, to gain an INITIAL qualification for a specific covered task, an individual must complete the EnergyU online training (TNG), and then pass the knowledge test (KNT) and performance evaluation (PEF) for the task.
What Qualifies A Crane Operator?
- The Operator Qualification rule was adopted into the Code of Federal Regulations under Subpart N in 49 CFR Part 192 and Subpart G in 49 CFR Part 195. Under the rule, each pipeline operator is responsible for developing an OQ program, following their written OQ plan, establishing a covered task list applicable to their system, and defining the train...
What Qualifies A Crane Inspector?
Safety Standards and Regulations