Description:

Effective January 1, 2010, pursuant to new regulations promulgated by OPS in response to Energy Policy Act requirements (see 7 C.C.R. 1101-14, Article 2-7), owner/operators of underground petroleum storage tank facilities will be required to provide proof of training certification for Class A, B, and C Operators.  Class A & B Operator training certifications can be obtained through the International Code Council (ICC), OPS approved training entities, or through reciprocity with other states. (Information on Class C Operator requirements are listed below) The OPS website will be updated periodically with information regarding training and certifications.

Testing from the International Code Council (ICC) is now available. 
Currently OPS is in the process of Approving Certified Trainers - This option should be available early spring of 2009.    

In accordance with the new operator training requirements, owners will be required to submit operational compliance documentation to OPS on a fixed annual cycle. 

Required Reference Materials for Certifications:

Review these documents to acquire applicable knowledge and/or training prior to taking the ICC test.

• Colorado Storage Tank Regulations 7 C.C.R 1101-14

• EPA 510-K-95-002 Must for UST’s (PDF)

• EPA 510-B-00-008 Operating and Maintaining Underground Storage Tank Systems, September 2005 (PDF)

Training, Re-Training & Certification Requirements:

Obtaining Class A, B & C Training or Certification:

If an Owner/Operator receives a certification issued by the International Code Council (ICC) showing a pass they will only be required to take the test one time, unless they are found to be non-compliant by the Division of Oil & Public Safety (OPS) and at that time OPS will require a retest for the Class B Operator within 90 days of the infraction. (Information on Class C Operator requirements are listed below) 

• 2-7-5 Acceptable Training and Certification Processes.

• 2-7-6 Training and Certification Deadlines and Schedules.

• 2-7-7 Retraining Requirements.

 Class A Operator Requirements:

Every owner must have one person that is a certified Class A Operator, however if the owner should have multiple locations they would be able to designate one for the entire group or multiple Class A Operators for their locations.  This person or persons must be someone within the organization that the owner has designated as their Class A Operator.

Class A Operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming full operation and maintenance responsibilities of the UST Facility.

Each Class A Operator can train the Class C Operator on emergency response using the stipulated training requirements provided by the Division of Oil & Public Safety. These records must be stored at each location and Oil & Public Safety Oil Inspectors will review the training records at the time of the inspection.

The Class A Operator can also oversee and assign individuals to perform the monthly and annual inspections. (See “Monthly Inspections” & “Annual Inspections” listed below)

The Class A Operator can be the designated contact person for the owner/operator, if the owner so desires. If chosen as the contact person they would be responsible for submitting all registrations, contact information, release reporting documents, training records, monthly inspections, and annual compliance inspections. They will also be required to certify that all information submitted to the Division of Oil and Public Safety is an accurate depiction and meets the regulatory mandates set forth in 7 C.C.R. 1101-14. 

• 2-7-2 Class A Operator.

Class B Operator Requirements:

Every owner must have one person that is a certified B Operator, however if the owner should have multiple locations they would be able to designate one for the entire group or multiple Class B Operators for their locations. The Class B Operator is the highest test available; therefore if this test is taken the owner/operator would possess both the Class A & B Operator Certification. This person or persons can be someone within
the organization or one that the owner has hired as their designated Class B Operator.

Class B Operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming full operation and maintenance responsibilities of the UST Facility.

Each Class B Operator can train the Class C Operator on emergency response using the stipulated training requirements provided by the Division of Oil & Public Safety.  These records must be stored at each location and Oil & Public Safety Oil Inspectors will review the training records at the time of the inspection.

The Class B Operator can also oversee and assign individuals to perform the monthly and annual inspections. (See “Monthly Inspections” & “Annual Inspections” listed below)

The Class B Operator can be the designated contact person for the owner/operator, if the owner so desires. If chosen as the contact person they would be responsible for submitting all registrations, contact information, release reporting documents, training records, monthly inspections, and annual compliance inspections. They will also be required to certify that all information submitted to the Division of Oil and Public Safety is an accurate depiction and meets the regulatory mandates set forth in 7 C.C.R. 1101-14. 

• 2-7-3 Class B Operator.

Class C Operator Requirements:

Every owner must have all individuals certified as a Class C Operator that are responsible for monitoring the sale of petroleum products. These Class C Operators must be trained in emergency response before assuming full responsibility for responding to an emergency.

Class C Operator Training Requirements:

The Class C Operator must be trained by the Certified A, B or Designated C Operator who has received their Certification from an A or B Operator. The training course content to be followed is listed below:

Course Content – Class C Operator Training Requirements:

Be knowledgeable enough to respond properly to an emergency situation for the following:

(a)     Emergency Response
(1)     Know where the emergency stop button and breakers are located
(2)     Stopping the flow of fuel – (how to shut off emergency stop button and breakers)
(3)      Who to call in case of a spill or release – (Fire Department, Owner, OPS - State)
(4)     How to evacuate the location - if necessary
(5)     How to stop the flow from reaching the storm drain – if possible
(6)     What to do if the spill or release should leave the property

(b)     Spill Response
(1)     Determine the size of spill (what is a large spill and what is a small spill)
(2)     Where the clean up material is located on site
(3)     How to clean up a spill – (what to use and how to use it)
(4)     How to dispose of the used clean up materials – (storage at the location)
(5)     When to clean up a spill

(c)     Alarm Response
(1)     Does the location have an Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG)– (Example: Veeder Root TLS -350)
(2)     Know when the system is in alarm
(3)     Who to call if the system is in alarm
(4)     Types of alarms to call on (Fuel Alarm, Overfill Alarm, Probe Out Alarm , Sensor Out Alarm)

•  2-7-4 Class C Operator.

Inspection Requirements:

Monthly Inspections:

Monthly Inspections must be designated by the Class A or B Operator. This person can be a company employee or a third party who would perform the actual inspection. This monthly inspection record must be submitted to the certified Class A or B Operator monthly for review. If any conditions exist the Class A or B Operator is responsible for ensuring follow-up actions are taken and that the necessary repairs have been made and logged in the section called Monthly Annual Repair Log found in the Monthly Inspection Check List. (See Form – Monthly Inspection Check List)

The Class C Operator can also be trained by the Class A or B Operator to perform the monthly visual inspections stipulated by the Division of Oil & Public Safety.

• 2-7-8 Monthly Visual Inspections.

Annual Inspections:

Annual Inspections must be designated by the Class A or B Operator. This person can be a third party contractor hired to complete the annual testing requirements stipulated by the Division of Oil and Public Safety or an in-house Class B Operator who carries all of the required testing certifications to perform the annual inspection. (Proof of third party certifications can be requested at any time by the Division of Oil & Public Safety) If any adverse conditions exist the designated person must notify the Class A or B Operator and once notification is received it is the responsibility of the Class A or B Operator to ensuring follow-up actions are taken and that the necessary repairs have been made and logged in the section called Annual Repair Log found in the Annual Inspection Check List. (See Form – Annual Inspection Check List)

• 2-7-9 Annual Operational Compliance Inspections.