Introduction to Operator Qualifications

EUCI

Introduction to Operator Qualifications

February 5, 2024 Online :: Central Time

An Operator Qualification (OQ) program evaluates individuals who perform specific tasks during the operation and maintenance of a pipeline system and is required by the PHMSA for operators of natural gas and/or petroleum pipelines. Through these evaluations the company can assure that those performing those tasks are qualified and can do so in a safe and valid manner.

This intensive one-day course will go into detail on each of the key elements of an OQ program and explain the intent of each element while providing examples of how a company might comply with each of the specific regulatory requirements.

By registering today, you will gain the information needed to have a valid program that addresses the wide array of operational and maintenance tasks performed on a pipeline system necessary to operate safely and comply with both Federal and State pipeline safety regulations.

Learning Outcomes

Describe the primary elements of an Operator Qualification program
Discuss the 4-part test used to identify covered tasks and understand what qualifies as covered tasks
Determine which individuals must be qualified
Review evaluation (testing) methods used to qualify individuals
Assess how to prepare for audits (internal/external) and identify risks
Review record keeping & documentation

Register

This is a recorded session - no instructor interaction is available. Recordings do not qualify for continuing education credits. Recordings will expire 30 days from date of purchase and sharing, downloading or copying of the recording in any way is strictly prohibited and will result in the termination of your license.

PURCHASE THIS RECORDING:

Recording license(s)$ 895.00 each

Agenda

Monday, February 5, 2024
Central Time

Online

Adjourn for the day

4:30 PM

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Course Timing

Introduction

Welcome and introduction
Class agenda and objectives

Description of A Typical Operator Qualification Program

Manual/procedures
Process
Applicability

Cover the 4-Part Test to Identify Covered Tasks

Determine Who is Subject to the Requirements of the Regulation

Company personnel
Contractor personnel

Methods That May Be Used to Evaluate Individuals

Written-oral exam
Work performance history review
Actual performance of task
Simulation

Evaluation Process

Who can be an evaluator
In-house vs. contract evaluators
Steps in the evaluation process
Documentation

Span of Control

Qualified vs. non-qualified individuals
Applicable to which covered tasks

Preparing for Internal and/or External Audits

Identify risks

Record Keeping

Summary & Comments

Instructor

Mr. Lael has been involved with the pipeline industry for over 45 years. He has worked for various State Pipeline Regulatory agencies (Illinois, Connecticut, and California) and the Federal government (Transportation Safety Institute, now known as Training and Qualification’s [T&Q]). More recently, Mr. Lael has worked for major petroleum pipeline operators as a code compliance officer and Operator Qualifications Administrator. He has been responsible for determining the operator’s compliance with Federal and State pipeline safety regulations and determining the intent of current and proposed PHMSA regulations.

Mr. Lael spent 10 years working with ConocoPhillips as the OQ administrator for the company OQ program. His employment with ConocoPhillips evolved from his initial employment with Tosco Corporation starting in 1999, merged into Phillips Pipeline Company in 2001, and finally into ConocoPhillips in 2002. He was responsible for the OQ qualifications for approximately 950 employees and over 1,500 contract individuals.

Mr. Lael has worked as an expert witness on legal cases concerning pipeline safety and accident/incident investigations. Mr. Lael has investigated numerous natural gas and petroleum pipeline explosion and fires.

Thomas Lael

Formerly with ConocoPhillips Pipeline Company