Results of a survey suggested by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to compile information about pipeline operator qualification programs were recently filed by AOPL. The survey replaces data that was presented at PHMSA’s December 2005 Public Meeting on OQ issues and is filed under docket no. 19857.

Among other things, the survey found that the vast majority of AOPL members responding to the survey:

• Participate in an industry group that shares best practices (the Consortium on Operator Qualification)
• Include emergency response and excavation tasks in their program
• Reevaluate qualifications for assigned tasks every three years or less
• Consider training as “necessary” (average of 52 hours of training annually) 

About a third of respondents use their qualification programs in new construction (other regulations and processes verify the safety of new construction). More than half have developed performance measures for operator qualification. PHMSA is preparing a report to Congress on the status and results of pipeline operators’ programs to ensure the qualifications of individuals performing safety tasks on pipelines.