OAR 340-150-0210: Training Requirements for UST Operators

(1) On or after August 8, 2009, owners and permittees must comply with the training requirements for UST operators in this rule. (2) The owner and permittee of each UST facility issued an operation certificate by DEQ must employ Class A, Class B, and Class C operators who can properly operate and maintain the UST system and respond to events indicating emergency conditions or alarms caused by spills or releases from the UST system. The three classes of operators are generally identified in the following table: [Note: View a PDF of the referenced tables by clicking on the link at the end of this rule.] (3) An individual designated as a Class A or Class B operator must complete one of the training options in section (8) of this rule within 30 days of designation unless the individual has previously completed a training option under OAR 340-150-0200(5) and can provide verification of the training completion consistent with 340-150-0200(6)(a). (4) An individual designated as a Class C operator must be trained before dispensing a regulated substance or assuming responsibility for responding to emergencies. (5) An individual who is designated to more than one operator class must be trained in each operator class for which he or she is designated. (6) Individuals designated as a Class A or Class B operator for a UST facility that fails an UST compliance inspection must repeat one of the training options in section (8) of this rule within 30 days of the UST facility failing the compliance inspection unless DEQ waives this requirement. At a minimum, the training must cover the area(s) determined to be out of compliance. (7) All training options for Class A and Class B operators must include the essential training elements listed in Appendix L of this division, which at a minimum must: [Note: View a PDF of appendix L by clicking on the “Tables” link at the end of this rule.] (a) Evaluate Class A operators to determine whether the individual has the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions regarding compliance and to determine whether the operation, maintenance, and recordkeeping requirements for UST systems are being met; (b) Evaluate Class B operators to determine whether the individual has the knowledge and skills to implement the applicable UST regulatory requirements on the components of typical UST systems or the equipment used at a specific UST facility. [Note: View a PDF of appendix L by clicking on the “Tables” link at the end of this rule.] (8) Training program. Class A and Class B operators must either: (a) Attend a training session sponsored by a training vendor approved by DEQ. A training vendor is a person, company or organization DEQ approved that has agreed to present UST system operator training in accordance with all requirements of this rule; (b) Successfully pass an examination designed for UST Class A operators or Class B operators, whichever applicable, offered by a national service and approved by DEQ; (c) Complete an internet or computer software training or examination program designed for Class A or Class B operators, whichever is applicable, and approved by DEQ; or (d) Complete any other equivalent training method approved by DEQ. (9) Emergency response information (Class C operator training). Each designated Class C operator must be trained by a Class A or Class B operator, complete a training program, or pass an examination on emergency response procedures. The training must include, at a minimum: (a) Procedures for overfill protection during delivery of regulated substances, operation of emergency shut off systems, alarm identification and response, release reporting and any site specific emergency procedures; (b) Any emergency response requirements made necessary by site-specific human health and safety issues or the presence of environmentally sensitive areas, such as nearby streams, wetlands or potential conduits for spreading contamination; and (c) Evaluating Class C operators to determine these individuals have the knowledge and skills to take appropriate action, including notifying appropriate authorities, in response to emergencies or alarms caused by spills or releases from an underground storage tank system. (10) Documentation and record keeping. (a) Written verification of training completion for Class A, B and C operators must include: the UST operator’s name, the date training was completed, the site name and address, DEQ’s UST facility identification number for the UST facility that the UST operator serves, the operator training class completed, the name of the trainer or examiner, and the training company name, address, and telephone number. (b) An owner and permittee must permanently retain each certificate of completion on file at the UST facility, including a copy of any examination results. If training records are not kept at the UST facility, an owner and permittee must have the records available for review by DEQ upon request. (11) The following requirements also apply to the following types of training: (a) Records from classroom or field training programs, including Class C operator training provided by the Class A or Class B operator, or a comparable examination must, at a minimum, be signed by the trainer or examiner; (b) Records from computer-based training must, at a minimum, indicate the name of the training program and web address, if Internet-based; and (c) Records of any retraining required under section (6) of this rule must include those areas on which the Class A or Class B operator has been retrained. [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.]