Operator Qualification Assessments Ensuring a Qualified Workforce

Transcription

1 Operator Qualification Assessments Ensuring a Qualified Workforce 2012 NGA Fall Conference The Saratoga Hilton Hotel Saratoga Springs, NY Jose Costa NGA October 3, 2012

2 Content Federal and State OQ Regulations AOCs Ensuring Individuals are qualified Record Keeping Online Evaluations Energy Worldnet System Live Demonstration NGA Assessment Evaluation Revisions Training

3 OQ Regulations Subpart N Qualification of Pipeline Personnel The intent of this qualification rule is to ensure a qualified work force and to reduce the probability and consequence of incidents caused by human error. This subpart prescribes the minimum requirements for operator qualification of individuals performing covered tasks on a pipeline facility. Evaluation means a process, established and documented by the operator, to determine an individual's ability to perform a covered task

4 OQ Regulations Subpart N Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Qualified means that an individual has been evaluated and can: (a) Perform assigned covered tasks; and (b) Recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions.

5 OQ Regulations Subpart N Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Each operator (Transmission or Distribution Company) shall have and follow a written qualification program. The program shall include provisions to: (a) Identify covered tasks; (NGA OQ Working Group) (b) Ensure through evaluation that individuals performing covered tasks are qualified; (Operator or NGA) (c) Allow individuals that are not qualified pursuant to this subpart to perform a covered task if directed and observed by an individual that is qualified; (Operator and Contractor) (d) Evaluate an individual if the operator has reason to believe that the individual's performance of a covered task contributed to an incident as defined in Part 191; (Operator)

6 OQ Regulations Subpart N Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Each operator shall have and follow a written qualification program. The program shall include provisions to: (e) Evaluate an individual if the operator has reason to believe that the individual is no longer qualified to perform a covered task; (Operator or Contractor) (f) Communicate changes that affect covered tasks to individuals performing those covered tasks; (Everyone) (g) Identify those covered tasks and the intervals at which evaluation of the individual's qualifications is needed; (Operator and Contractor) (h) Provide training, as appropriate (Operator and Contractor) (i) Notify state agency if the operator significantly modifies the program (OQ Working Group or Operator)

7 OQ Regulations Subpart N Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Each operator shall maintain records that demonstrate compliance with this subpart. (a) Qualification records shall include: (1) Identification of qualified individual(s); (Name) (2) Identification of the covered tasks the individual is qualified to perform; (3) Date(s) of current qualification; and (Date qualified and Expiring) (4) Qualification method(s). (Written or Hands-on) (b) Records 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. (6, 8 or 10 years)

8 AOCs 1. Over pressure Pressure that exceeds the operating limits of the gas system; 2. Inadequate Pressure Pressure that falls below the normal operating requirements of the gas system; 3. Unintentional ignition The uncontrolled ignition of gas; 4. Explosion; 5. Component failure Failure of a component of the pipeline to perform in the manner for which it was designed; 6. Damage to facility Any damage to a pipeline component; 7. Improper odorization Excessive or inadequate odorization of a gas system; and 8. Escaping/blowing gas Any unplanned, uncontrolled escape of gas.

9 Ensuring Individuals Are Qualified Identify those covered tasks and the intervals at which evaluation of the individual's qualifications is needed; - How do you determine what individuals need for covered tasks? Job Classifications? Operator? - How do you track the required tasks needed? Excel spreadsheet?

10 Ensuring Individuals Are Qualified Record Keeping - Where are your records kept? Energy Worldnet? In-house system? Paper records? - How do you verify contractor records? Who is responsible? What is the process you use? - Contractors, who is responsible for ensuring individuals are qualified? What is the process you use? - How are the records maintained? - Purging qualification records - Purging testing records

11 Online Evaluations Benefits Reduction in evaluation and productivity costs Results are tracked immediately Reduction in data entry errors Individuals work at their pace Energy worldnet selected through a bidding process Online tests are NGA s written tests LDCs require an internal proctor Contractors require an NGA/LDC proctor

12 Evaluation Material Development Starting 2011 Developed by Subject Matter Expert Teams Team Kick-off Meeting with Testing Specialist Develop Domains and Elements Teams Develop Knowledge and Skill Assessments Testing Specialist Reviews, Recommends Changes and Validates Assessments Assessments Released to a Controlled Sample Assessments Released to All Users

13 Training Materials NGA Licenses GTI s Certified Operations Training (COT) Program NGA delivers training to LDCs and contractors using independent contractors Online training courses to be added to Energy Worldnet System starting in 2012

14 Thank You Jose Costa VP Operations Services Northeast Gas Association 75 Second Avenue Suite 510 Needham, MA ext. 109