Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 12, March 26, 2025
This section prescribes the minimum requirements for
operator qualification of individuals performing covered tasks on a pipeline
facility.
(a) Each operator shall have
and follow a written qualification program. The program shall include
provisions to:
(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 section 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 requiring the submission of a report pursuant to
section 255.801(d) of
this Part or is otherwise significant in the judgement of the
operator;
(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 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, provide
notification if the operator significantly modifies the program.
(b) Each operator shall maintain
records that demonstrate compliance with this section.
(1) Qualification records shall include:
(i) identification of qualified
individual(s);
(ii) identification
of the covered tasks the individual is qualified to perform;
(iii) date(s) of current qualifications;
and
(iv) qualification
method(s).
(2) Records
supporting an individual's current qualification shall be maintained while the
individual is performing the covered task. Records of prior qualification and
records of individuals no longer performing covered tasks shall be retained for
a period of five years.
(c) Operators shall have a written
qualification program by April 27, 2001.
(d) Operators must complete the qualification
of individuals performing covered tasks by October 28, 2002.
(e) Work performance history may be used as a
sole evaluation method for individuals who were performing a covered task prior
to August 27, 1999.
(f) After
October 28, 2002, work performance history may not be used as a sole evaluation
method.
(g) After December 16,
2004, observation of on-the-job performance may not be used as the sole method
of evaluation.
