# Small LP Gas Operator OQ Guide (August 2016) - **operation:** document - **citation:** PHMSA Guidance, Small LP Gas Operator OQ Guide (August 2016) - **title:** Small LP Gas Operator OQ Guide (August 2016) - **source type:** guidance - **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - **status:** guidance - **official:** true - **published on:** Not available - **effective on:** Not available - **summary:** Small LP Gas Operator OQ Guide (August 2016) Document operator-qualification-guide-small-lp-gas-systems-august-2016.pdf (1.46 MB) These guidelines were prepared by a team of industry and Government pipeline safety and training experts to assist small LP operators and master meter operators to develop programs to ensure that individuals who operate and maintain these systems are qualified for the work they perform. LP - **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-guidance-small-lp-gas-operator-oq-guide-august-2016-559f3572.json - **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-guidance-small-lp-gas-operator-oq-guide-august-2016-559f3572.md - **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-guidance-small-lp-gas-operator-oq-guide-august-2016-559f3572 - **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/pipeline/small-lp-gas-operator-oq-guide-august-2016 **body:** Small LP Gas Operator OQ Guide (August 2016) Document operator-qualification-guide-small-lp-gas-systems-august-2016.pdf (1.46 MB) These guidelines were prepared by a team of industry and Government pipeline safety and training experts to assist small LP operators and master meter operators to develop programs to ensure that individuals who operate and maintain these systems are qualified for the work they perform. LP operators are required to prepare and follow an Operator Qualification (OQ) program by Federal regulations at 49 CFR 192 Subpart N as well as regulations adopted by some States. Effective Date: Monday, August 1, 2016 <<>> Operator Qualification Guidance Manual for Operators of LP Gas Systems August, 2016 US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Office of Pipeline Safety <<>> LP OQ GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................. i CHAPTER I: GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING AN OPERATOR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM ................................................................................................................................... I-1 Preparing a Written Operator Qualification Plan...................................................................... I-1 Identify Covered Tasks ......................................................................................................... I-2 Evaluate Individuals Who Perform Covered Tasks .............................................................. I-4 Allow Unqualified Individuals To Perform A Covered Task If Directed And Observed By An Individual Who Is Qualified ........................................................................................... I-6 Post Accident/Incident Evaluation ........................................................................................ I-7 For Cause Evaluation ............................................................................................................ I-7 Communication of Changes .................................................................................................. I-7 Establish Re-evaluation Intervals ......................................................................................... I-7 Training ................................................................................................................................. I-8 Record Keeping .................................................................................................................... I-9 Record Retention .................................................................................................................. I-9 Contractors ............................................................................................................................ I-9 Record Keeping for Contract Personnel ............................................................................. I-10 Emergency Response .......................................................................................................... I-10 Resources ............................................................................................................................ I-11 CHAPTER II: DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................... II-1 APPENDIX A: RESOURCES APPENDIX B: SAMPLE OQ PLANS APGA SIF OQ Plan AmeriGas OQ Plan Revised – August, 2016 <<>> ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This guidance manual was revised by the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Security and Integrity Foundation (SIF) under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The manual relies on sources representing the best opinion on the subject at the time of publication. It should not, however, be assumed that all acceptable safety measures and procedures are mentioned in this manual. The reader is referred to the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199 and Part 40) for the complete pipeline safety requirements. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the many individuals and organizations who contributed their time and expertise to this manual. Most especially, it is a product of close cooperation with the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR), National Propane Gas Association, LP Operators, State and Federal pipeline safety representatives. The advisory group involved in the revision of this manual included: Richard G. Marini, PE, APGA SIF, Project Manager John Erickson, APGA Vice President Bruce Benson, Connecticut Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection Ed Boden, AmeriGas David Burnell, New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission Mike Deegan, Florida Clearwater Gas System James Hilliard, Revere Gas Virginia Gerry Lee, APGA SIF Manager Jim Osterhaus, Railroad Commission of Texas Kevin Streeter, PHMSA- Central Region Bruce Swiecicki, National Propane Gas Association Rufus Youngblood, Ferrell Gas Revised – August, 2016 <<>> CHAPTER I: GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING AN OPERATOR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM INTRODUCTION These guidelines were prepared by a team of industry and Government pipeline safety and training experts to assist small LP operators and master meter operators to develop programs to ensure that individuals who operate and maintain these systems are qualified for the work they perform. LP operators are required to prepare and follow an Operator Qualification (OQ) program by Federal regulations at 49 CFR 192 Subpart N as well as regulations adopted by some States. OQ programs must identify each individual, whether they are an employee of the operator or an employee of a contractor hired by the operator, who performs covered operations or maintenance activities on the piping system. The OQ program must also identify the “covered tasks” that each individual performs and ensure that each individual is evaluated to ensure they have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) to perform each task, as well as to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions (AOC) that may arise while performing these tasks. The process the operator follows to accomplish these objectives must be in writing. Records of the tests, evaluations and other actions required in the plan must be made available for inspection by State and Federal pipeline safety inspectors. The following steps should be considered when preparing an OQ program. PREPARING A WRITTEN OPERATOR QUALIFICATION PLAN The regulations require that you prepare and follow a written OQ plan that at a minimum includes the following eight provisions: 1. Identify covered tasks (operation and maintenance (O&M) activities affecting the integrity of the pipeline and required by the safety code); 2. Evaluate individuals performing covered tasks to demonstrate that they are qualified; 3. Allow individuals who are not qualified to perform certain covered tasks if directed and observed by an individual who is qualified; 4. Evaluate an individual if there is reason to believe that the individual's performance of a covered task contributed to an incident; 5. Evaluate an individual if there is reason to believe that the individual is no longer qualified to perform a covered task; Revised – August, 2016 I - 1 <<>> 6. Communicate changes that affect covered tasks to individuals performing those covered tasks; 7. Establish re-evaluation intervals; and 8. Describe how appropriate training will be used in the OQ program (new hires, refresher training for existing employees who transfer to new jobs or fail re- valuations, etc.). In addition to these minimum requirements, the written OQ plan should: 1. Name the person/position who will be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the plan are carried out; 2. Identify records necessary to carry out the program and where those records will be kept. IDENTIFY COVERED TASKS A covered task is an activity, identified by the operator, that: 1. Is performed on a pipeline facility; 2. Is an operations or maintenance task1; 3. Is performed as a requirement of this part (Part 192); and 4. Affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline. The first step in identifying covered tasks is to identify tasks performed on pipeline facilities. “Pipeline facilities” means all underground and aboveground piping; it generally does not include piping inside customer buildings, although if gas is sold to the customer through a gas meter located inside the building, “pipeline facility” extends inside up to the outlet of the meter. A good source to identify tasks performed on a pipeline facility is the operator’s Manual for Operations, Maintenance and Emergency Response. This will describe operations and maintenance tasks performed on the system. The following is a list of common O&M tasks. Not all of these tasks may apply to every system, and there may be additional tasks performed on other systems that meet the definition of a covered task that are not listed here: 1 Note: Some States (as well as current proposed revisions to Federal regulations) include new construction as operations and maintenance covered tasks. Revised – August, 2016 I - 2 <<>> Investigating leak/odor complaints, Locating and marking lines, Controlling and monitoring pipeline pressures and product flows, Operating an odorizer, Monitoring propane gas odorization levels (“sniff tests”), Repairing leaks, Inspecting and testing pressure regulator station and overpressure protection, Tapping pipelines under pressure, Conducting leakage surveys, Joining pipe for maintenance, Inspecting critical valves, Welding on a pipeline for maintenance, Excavating and backfilling, Repairing coating on existing steel pipelines, Measuring pipe-to-soil or underground container to soil potential, Coating aboveground piping, Inspecting for atmospheric corrosion, Inspecting the condition of exposed pipe or pipe coating, Installing/replacing a rectifier, Installing/replacing an anode or test station, Inspecting a rectifier, Visually inspecting for internal corrosion, Purging, Patrolling, Filling/emptying an LP container, Changing out an LP container, Maintaining or replacing LP vaporizers, Isolating sections of pipe or stopping off or otherwise controlling the flow of gas or product to a work site. Certain critical tasks fall outside the scope of the OQ Rule. Relighting appliances and other work performed on gas piping or equipment inside the residences are not covered tasks since they are not performed on a pipeline facility as defined above. Conducting meter dial tests for leaks of internal piping also fall in this category. While individuals performing these tasks are not subject Revised – August, 2016 I - 3 <<>> to the OQ program, operators should ensure that competent people to do this work since mistakes can lead to accidents. OQ does not exempt anyone from the general good business practices to use competent individuals for all tasks that are important for the safe operation of your system. Covered task lists may also be purchased from many industry trade associations and other vendors. If one of these lists is utilized, it must be carefully reviewed to ensure that it includes all the tasks performed on the system. Any tasks that are not performed on your system should also be deleted. EVALUATE INDIVIDUALS WHO PERFORM COVERED TASKS Evaluation means a process of testing a person through written tests, oral exams, or observation while performing the task on the job or in a classroom or simulated setting, or any other documented method or combination of methods that can prove the individual possesses the necessary KSA to perform the covered task and recognize and react to AOC. A checklist is required if observation on the job or a simulation is used for evaluation. To be acceptable, each evaluation must include a document that States what is pass or fail for each step in the evaluation and indicates what KSA or AOC were tested or observed. An OQ plan must list the specific evaluations (tests, observations, etc.) that will be accepted as evidence of qualification in each covered task. The list may include more than one acceptable means of qualifying individuals for a task. For example: An operator may adopt their contractors’ evaluations or evaluations by third parties (e.g., associations, vendors, State and local governments); however, the operator is responsible to show that the evaluations are appropriate for the way the task is performed on the system. The operator should be able to demonstrate that the evaluations accepted for each covered task measure the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the task. The evaluations should address critical skills and abilities in addition to critical knowledge needed to perform each task. For example, certain tasks require physical abilities and physical skills critical to accomplishing the covered task, in addition to knowledge of how to perform the task. In that instance, it must be ensured the evaluation includes a test to address the physical ability of the individual to perform the task. The actual evaluation may involve a knowledge-based test, plus a practical application in the field or classroom simulation to demonstrate physical ability and proficiency. Further, the testing for covered tasks included in the qualification program must also include questions or hands-on demonstrations on AOC associated with the task to both recognize and react to the AOC. Abnormal operating condition means a condition that may indicate a malfunction of a component or deviation from normal operations that may: (a) Indicate a condition exceeding design limits; or (b) Result in a hazard(s) to persons, property, or the environment. For example, a leaking gas pipe is a malfunction of the pipe (it’s not supposed to leak) and can result in a hazard to persons and property. Revised – August, 2016 I - 4 <<>> Some typical AOC as identified in ASME B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification include: Unplanned escape of gas from a pipeline, Fire or explosion, Unplanned pressure deviation, Unplanned flow-rate deviation, Pipeline damage, Activation of a safety device other than during planned testing, Unplanned status change, Interruption or failure of communications, control system or power, Inadequate odorization or reports of gas odor. Some AOC are specific to certain covered tasks (e.g., unplanned pressure deviation could be caused by the failure of a valve, regulator, relief valve, etc., depending on the task). Other AOC are general and apply to many, if not all, tasks (e.g., anyone performing operations or maintenance tasks should be able to recognize and react to gas odors, leaking product or spills). Regardless, each covered task should identify potential AOC and reactions associated with the covered task. Operators must determine credible AOC and identify how personnel are expected to react to these. Evaluations used by the operator should address how to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions. AOC evaluations may be broken out into a separate section of the evaluation or may be incorporated within those portions of the evaluations that address routine knowledge, skills and abilities. Operators should be able to demonstrate that all abnormal operating conditions that can reasonably be anticipated to be encountered and related to the task being performed are addressed in the evaluations for that task, particularly if off-the-shelf evaluations are being used. Some conditions such as recognizing low pipe-to-soil potentials or corroded pipe could be considered AOC or could be considered part of the routine KSA for covered tasks such as measuring pipe-to-soil potentials or inspecting pipe condition. For OQ compliance purposes, as long as the evaluations for the covered task address how to recognize and react to these conditions, it does not matter if these are classified as AOC or normal conditions. If an operator elects to accept evaluations developed by others, e.g., your contractors, State plumbers licenses, associations or other vendors, that operator must ensure that these evaluations address the KSA necessary to perform the task and recognize and respond to AOC according to the OQ program procedures. The written OQ plan should address the credentials of the evaluators/qualifiers who will evaluate your employees and contractors. If the evaluations chosen require the evaluator/qualifier to make a judgment whether the task was performed correctly, then the evaluator/qualifier should possess Revised – August, 2016 I - 5 <<>> adequate knowledge about proper performance of the task so that a proper judgment can be made when evaluating the task. Evaluators/qualifiers should: 1. Possess the required knowledge, through training or experience, to ascertain that a worker is able to perform the covered task and recognize and react to AOC that might surface while performing the task; 2. Conduct the evaluations required to qualify or re-qualify individuals on Covered Tasks and be responsible for supplying qualification records. ALLOW UNQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO PERFORM A COVERED TASK IF DIRECTED AND OBSERVED BY AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS QUALIFIED Operators may allow individuals who have not met the evaluation criteria listed in the OQ plan to perform certain covered tasks under controlled conditions. A written OQ plan must spell out the conditions under which individuals who have not met the qualification criteria may perform tasks while under the observation and direction of a qualified individual. This is intended to allow on-the-job training and temporary labor work teams. Directed and observed means that a qualified individual is at the work site and is directly watching each step of the work to ensure it is performed correctly when the covered task is being performed by an individual(s) not qualified for the task. It is not sufficient that the qualified individual be in the general vicinity, but observing each step of the task and ready to intervene immediately should it be necessary. The written OQ plan should provide guidance on how many non-qualified workers can be directed and observed at one time by a qualified individual and a list of any tasks non-qualified persons will not be allowed to perform (e.g., hot taps). Operators may specify in the OQ plan that only qualified individuals may perform covered tasks, in which case on-the-job training for covered tasks may not be used even with a qualified individual directing and observing the non-qualified individuals. Example: Except with respect to welding and plastic fusion, individuals qualified in a covered task being performed will direct and observe any nonqualified individuals performing the Covered Task. Revised – August, 2016 I - 6 <<>> POST ACCIDENT/INCIDENT EVALUATION The OQ plan must specify that the operator will re-evaluate anyone whose performance of a covered task may have contributed to an accident (for hazardous liquid pipelines) or incident (for gas pipelines), either caused it, failed to respond appropriately or made it worse by responding inappropriately. For example, if an accident/incident occurs because a pipeline location was inaccurately marked, the individual who marked the line may have contributed to the accident/incident. Similarly, if an individual opens a valve that should remain closed and that causes an accident/incident to be worse, that contributes to the severity of the accident/incident. The OQ plan must specify the process used to re-evaluate these individuals. Re-evaluation need not be by the same methods used to initially evaluate the individual, but if the operator intends to use a different method, this method must: Address the KSA and AOC for the task, and Be listed in the written OQ Plan as an accepted evaluation for the covered task. FOR CAUSE EVALUATION The OQ plan must include provisions on how to re-evaluate persons for whom there are reasons to believe that they are no longer qualified. The plan should include some guidance for supervisors to recognize and react to behavior that would trigger these provisions. Reasons could include observation of the person not following procedures, injury or illness that reduces motor skills. COMMUNICATION OF CHANGES The OQ plan must specify how changes to policies, procedures, equipment or regulations are to be communicated to anyone who performs covered tasks affected by the change. Re-evaluation may be required if the changes affect the KSA required for the task. For example, when purchasing a new leak detection instrument, an operator should consider whether the new instrument is basically the same as the old instrument it replaces, in which case you need only communicate to the persons using the device that it has been replaced. If, however, the new instrument operates on a different principle than the one it is replacing, it may be necessary to retrain the persons using it and document this training. The OQ plan should also spell out conditions under which re-evaluation will be required such as when changes to policies, procedures, etc., require it. ESTABLISH RE-EVALUATION INTERVALS To continue to be qualified, individuals performing covered tasks must be periodically re- evaluated. Re-evaluation intervals should be based on factors such as: Revised – August, 2016 I - 7 <<>> 1. How frequently is the covered task performed? More frequent performance may justify longer re-evaluation intervals; 2. How complex is the covered task? More complex tasks may require shorter re-evaluation intervals; and 3. What might the consequences be if the task is performed improperly? What is the worst that could happen if the covered task is not performed correctly, with “catastrophe” justifying shorter re-evaluation intervals and “nothing” justifying longer intervals? Three years is the commonly accepted interval for most tasks. Intervals over 5 years will require justification. Tasks that are performed infrequently may require re-evaluation prior to performance. Federal/State regulations require re-evaluation for certain covered tasks such as pipe plastic joining and welding to be conducted at annual intervals. Re-evaluation need not be by the same process as initial qualification but must address the KSA and AOC for the task. TRAINING The OQ plan should describe how training fits into an operator’s OQ program. While qualification is accomplished through evaluation, not training, some individuals will require training to provide them with the KSA necessary to pass the evaluations for a covered task. Some examples of individuals requiring training are: 1. New hires 2. Individuals taking on new tasks (transferred or promoted), 3. Individuals who fail one or more evaluations, 4. Infrequent performance of a covered task, 5. Post Incident or for cause re-evaluation. This does not mean that every individual who performs a covered task needs to go through a training program before the individual can be re-evaluated. In fact, a common misconception is that training counts as evaluation for a task. Attendance records, certificates of completion, etc., from training classes are not evaluation records and cannot be used as the basis for qualifying an individual for any task. Where a training course includes written or oral exams, observations on- the-job or in a classroom simulation, it is the records of these exams and/or observations that can be counted as evaluations for a covered task as long as they address the KSA and AOC for the task. Revised – August, 2016 I - 8 <<>> RECORD KEEPING An operator must maintain records to prove that the written OQ plan is being followed. For each individual who performs a covered task on your system, an operator must be able to produce a record of the date the individual passed each evaluation required for each covered task the individual performs, the tasks for which the individual is qualified and the method used to qualify the individual. Records of re-evaluations for cause, post incident and when required by re-evaluation intervals must also be maintained. The method may include any combination of written or oral tests, observation in classroom, on-the job or simulation, or other methods specified in the OQ program as accepted for the covered task. An operator should be able to provide Federal or State inspectors with copies of the evaluation methods, e.g., tests or observation checklists used to qualify a person for the task, so that the inspector can determine if the evaluations address the appropriate KSA for the covered task. You can make an inspection easier on both you and the inspector by having a list of the KSA, AOC and identifying where each is addressed in your observation checklists, test questions and other evaluation tools. RECORD RETENTION Records must be maintained for 5 years after the evaluation is no longer required for current qualification for any covered task. In other words, the record retention period is 5 years PLUS the re-evaluation interval specified in an operator’s OQ plan for the covered task. For example, if an operator has a 3-year re-evaluation interval for a covered task, and an individual passes an evaluation on October 28, 2012, then re-passes the evaluation on October 28, 2015, the operator must maintain the record of the October 28, 2012 evaluation until October 28, 2020, since the date October 28, 2015, is the date on which the operator ceases to rely on the October 28, 2012 evaluation for qualification. CONTRACTORS Many operators use contractors to perform covered tasks on their pipeline systems. The OQ regulation requires that any individual who performs a covered task on a pipeline system be qualified for that task according to THE OPERATOR’S OQ plan. If an operator uses contractors for any covered task, the operator is responsible to ensure that each contractor employee who performs one or more covered tasks on your system is qualified for that task or is being directed and supervised by a qualified individual (if the operator’s OQ plan allows for this). Below are four approaches to handling contractor qualification: 1. Operator evaluates the contractor individuals using company evaluations. 2. Operator allows the contractor to evaluate its personnel using either the operator’s evaluations for the tasks or the contractor’s evaluations for the tasks. In the latter case, the operator should obtain copies of the contractor’s evaluations and ensure they address the same KSA and AOC as the operator’s evaluations for the same tasks. Evaluations must be documented, e.g., test Revised – August, 2016 I - 9 <<>> questions are written and observation evaluations include checklists indicating what is observed. These evaluations must be listed in the operator’s OQ plan as evaluations accepted for these tasks. 3. Require the contractor to be evaluated by a third party (e.g., NACE, NCCER, etc.). The operator should contact the third party, obtain copies of the evaluations and verify that they address the same KSA and AOC as the operator’s evaluations for the same tasks. Evaluations must be documented, e.g., test questions are written and observation evaluations include checklists indicating what is observed. These evaluations must be listed in your OQ plan as evaluations you accept for these tasks. 4. The operator must ensure that non-qualified contractor personnel are watched by a person (operator or contractor personnel) qualified in the covered task being performed and the observer should be prepared to take immediate corrective action should he/she observe work being done that is not in accordance with the operator’s procedures, or being done in an unsafe manner. RECORD KEEPING FOR CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL If contractor personnel are used to perform a covered task, the operator must be able to produce records that the contractor personnel are qualified for the covered tasks they perform. The record requirements for contractors are exactly as described above for company personnel. The records must indicate the date the individual was qualified, the task(s) for which he/she is qualified and the method of qualification. The method must be a method listed in the operator’s OQ plan as accepted under the OQ plan for the covered task(s) the individual performs. Contractor qualification records can be kept by the operator, by the contractor or by a third party. If the operator elects to have the contractor or a third party keep the records, ensure that there are provisions for the operator to obtain the records should the contractor or third party go out of business. The operator must be able to produce these records for review for up to 5 years after the last date an individual performs a covered task on your system. EMERGENCY RESPONSE OQ requirements for emergency response are limited to that portion of the response performed on the pipeline facility. Fire departments and other public responders are not required to be qualified and (if not qualified) must not perform covered operations or maintenance tasks on the pipeline facility. All other individuals employed by the operator must be qualified to perform their assigned covered tasks or must be under the direct observation of a qualified individual. Covered emergency response tasks are those tasks listed in § 192.615(a) that meet the four-part test specified in § 192.801. Revised – August, 2016 I - 10 <<>> RESOURCES Included in Appendix A are links to several resources that can be used with the development and implementation of an operator’s OQ program and assist in preparation for OQ inspections. These resources can be used to assist in a self-assessment of an operator’s OQ program to ensure that the program addresses all the important components that the regulators expect to see in an acceptable OQ program. Appendix B references samples of existing OQ plans that can be revised by operators for their OQ plans. NOTE: These sample plans must be adapted to accommodate the operator’s specific policies and procedures for their system. Revised – August, 2016 I - 11 <<>> CHAPTER II: DEFINITIONS A number of terms contained in the OQ Rule and its implementation found in 49 CFR Part 192, Subpart N and in Part 195, Subpart G, may be unclear and subject to different interpretations by operators and regulatory representatives. The following definitions have been obtained through consideration of gas and liquid pipeline regulations, dictionary definitions of a word or term, operator OQ plans, or other sources. ABILITY The capacity to do or act, physically and/or mentally. ABNORMAL OPERATING CONDITION (AOC) As defined in §§192.803 and 195.503, abnormal operating condition means a condition identified by the operator that may indicate a malfunction of a component or deviation from normal operations that may: (a) Indicate a condition exceeding design limits; or (b) Result in a hazard(s) to persons, property, or the environment. [Note: To be qualified, an individual must be able to properly perform assigned covered task(s) and be able to recognize and react appropriately to any AOC that may (reasonably be expected to) be encountered while performing the covered task – whether the condition arises as a direct result of his/her work performance (e.g., be specific to the covered task being performed) or not (e.g., be generic in nature, but still observable because the individual is present on site).] ACTIVITY A specific deed, action, function, or sphere of action. AFFECTS THE OPERATION OR INTEGRITY OF THE PIPELINE Any activity, or omission of an activity, that could directly or indirectly result in a hazard to persons, property or the environment. As used in the safety context of the OQ Rule, the phrase indicates activities that could result in an AOC that in turn could result in an unsafe operating condition. BENCHMARK A standard of measurement or evaluation. Revised – August, 2016 II - 1 <<>> COMMUNICATE To convey information about; make known; to reveal clearly. COMPLIANCE Activity (ies) in accordance with a rule. CONTRIBUTED Determined to be a factor. CONTRIBUTED TO A judgment by designated operator personnel, that the action or inaction of an individual(s) was a factor in the occurrence of an incident/accident. COVERED TASK As defined in §§ 192.801 and 195.501, a covered task is an activity, identified by the operator, that: (1) Is performed on a pipeline facility; (2) Is an operations or maintenance task; (3) Is performed as a requirement of this part; and (4) Affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline. CRITERION A standard upon which a judgment is based. CURRENT Belonging to the present time; now in progress. CURRICULUM An interrelated set of courses, structured in a manner that allows an individual to build their knowledge and skills consistent with the jobs and tasks they perform. Revised – August, 2016 II - 2 <<>> DEMONSTRATE Provide tangible evidence. DETERMINE To conclude after consideration, investigation, or calculation. DIRECT To take authoritative charge of or supervise; to control, order or command. DIRECT OBSERVATION Observation of an unqualified individual(s) during the performance of a covered task by an individual who is qualified to perform the task being observed. The observer must be in direct visual and verbal contact with the individual(s) and must be able to take immediate and effective corrective action if incorrect procedures or AOCs are observed. DOCUMENT Prepare a retrievable record. EMERGENCY RESPONSE Actions taken by the operator, fire department, police department and others to an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action. EVALUATION As defined in §§ 192.803 and 195.503, evaluation means a process, established and documented by the operator, to determine an individual's ability to perform a covered task by any of the following: (a) Written examination; (b) Oral examination; (c) Work performance history review (WPHR); (d) Observation during: (1) Performance on the job, Revised – August, 2016 II - 3 <<>> (2) On-the-job training, or (3) Simulations. (e) Other forms of assessment. [Note: Any evaluation of an individual’s qualifications must follow an objective, consistent process that documents the individual’s ability to perform the covered task, including the ability to recognize and react to AOCs.] EVALUATOR Persons performing evaluations should possess the required knowledge (1) to ascertain an individual’s ability to perform the covered tasks, and (2) to substantiate an individual’s ability to recognize and react to AOCs that might surface while performing those activities. This does not necessarily mean that the person performing the evaluations should be physically able to perform the covered tasks themselves. EXCAVATION WITHIN A PIPELINE FACILITY Qualification for this covered task does not require the operator’s employee or contractor employee to be proficient in the operation of excavation equipment. Covered tasks requiring qualification shall include: Verification of line location and depth, One-call and underground facility owner/operator notifications, Sloping/shoring, Water removal, Inspection. Third-party excavations that take place on the operator’s pipeline facility shall be handled in accordance with the operator’s damage prevention program requirements. IDENTIFY To establish the identity of; to ascertain the origin, nature, or definitive characteristics of. IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION Taking steps to correct mistakes or abnormal or hazardous conditions without delay. Revised – August, 2016 II - 4 <<>> INCIDENT As defined in § 191.3, an incident is any of the following events: (1) An event that involves a release of gas from a pipeline, or of liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), refrigerant gas or gas from an LNG facility, and that results in one of the following consequences; (i) Death or injury requiring in-patient hospitalization; or (ii) Estimated property damage of $50,000 or more, including loss to the operator and others, or both, but excluding cost of gas lost; (iii) Unintentional estimated gas loss of three million cubic feet or more. (2) An event that results in an emergency shutdown of an LNG facility. (3) An event that is significant, in the judgment of the operator, even though it did not meet the criteria of paragraphs (1) or (2). INDIVIDUAL A person who, on behalf of the operator, performs one or more covered tasks on a pipeline facility operated by the operator. This includes contractors, subcontractors, and operator employees. INSTRUCTOR An individual selected to conduct training, based on possessing required subject knowledge and the ability to effectively deliver training. INTEGRITY The ability of a pipeline to operate safely and to withstand the stresses imposed during operations. INTERVAL The amount of time between two specified instants, events, or states. For OQ purposes, “interval” usually refers to the amount of time between re-evaluation of an individual’s qualifications. KNOWLEDGE Understanding gained through experience or study. Revised – August, 2016 II - 5 <<>> KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA) An appropriate combination of information, craftsmanship, and proficiency that allows an individual to perform covered tasks in a competent manner. MAINTAIN To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency. MAINTENANCE The act of maintaining or the state of being maintained; the work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep. MASTER METER SYSTEM As defined in § 191.3, Master Meter System means a pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to, a definable area, such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex, where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source for resale through a gas distribution pipeline system. The gas distribution pipeline system supplies the ultimate consumer who either purchases the gas directly through a meter or by other means, such as by rents. OBSERVE The act of watching; to watch or perceive. For purposes of conducting qualification evaluations using on-the-job (OTJ) performance, observations must include the interaction of the evaluator and qualification candidate to ensure that the candidate’s knowledge of the procedures (and the reasons for the key steps therein) is adequate to ensure the continued safe performance of the task. OPERATE Starting, stopping and/or monitoring a device or system. OPERATION Actions taken to facilitate storage or movement of product through a regulated pipeline. PERFORM To begin and carry through to completion; to demonstrate in accordance with the requirements of; to accomplish (a covered task) in the proper, customary or established manner. Revised – August, 2016 II - 6 <<>> PERSON As defined in §§ 192.3 and 195.2, person means any individual, firm, joint venture, partnership, corporation, association, State, municipality, cooperative association, or joint stock association, and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative thereof. PETROLEUM GAS As defined in § 192.3, Petroleum gas means propane, propylene, butane, (normal butane or isobutanes), and butylene (including isomers), or mixtures composed predominantly of these gases, having a vapor pressure not exceeding 208 psi (1434 kPa) at 100°F (38°C). Note; the word “Liquefied” was removed from the code because it was causing confusion among the operators. LP Gas, LPG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Petroleum Gas are all synonyms with the two most common being propane and butane. PROPANE (PETROLEUM GAS) PIPELINE OPERATOR As defined in § 192.3, Operator means a person who en - **truncated:** true - **body characters:** 269643