In 2002, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) implemented the Operator Qualification (OQ) program. The program’s goal is to reduce the risks of human error by certifying that pipeline workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs. Pipeline operators are required to develop a written program to qualify their workers.

Under OQ, pipeline operators are required to evaluate the ability of their workers to perform regulated tasks, called covered tasks. To qualify as a covered task, it must affect the operation or integrity of the pipeline; be performed as a requirement of 49 CFR Part 192 of the federal pipeline safety regulation; be an operation or maintenance task; and be performed on a pipeline facility. Workers must also be able to recognize and respond to abnormal operating conditions they may encounter while carrying out these tasks.

Covered tasks must be performed by workers qualified under the pipeline operator’s written plan. The rule also applies to any worker performing covered tasks on behalf of the operator, whether it is another operator, or a contractor, sub-contractor or any other individual working for the operator.

Operators may use written or oral examinations and performance reviews to evaluate the ability of an individual to perform covered tasks. Operators are required to document the process to provide records for future OPS inspections and audits. They must ensure that covered tasks are performed by qualified workers, and set future dates for qualifications.

The OQ program ensures that pipeline personnel on all levels are qualified to do their work. AOPL believes that a well-trained workforce is not only necessary to ensure the continued operation of oil pipelines, but is also essential to protect the environment and our communities.