Criticality: High Progress: Not Addressed Score: 40 DOT Relevance: §192.801 – §192.809
Description of Key Area
Qualification of pipeline personnel is defined under Subpart N
(Qualification of Pipeline Personnel) of 49 CFR 192. As per §192.801, “this subpart prescribes the
minimum requirements for operator qualification of individuals performing
covered tasks on a pipeline facility.” A “covered task” is defined in 49 CFR
192 as “an activity…that is performed on a pipeline facility; is an operations
or maintenance task; is performed as a requirement of this part; and affects
the operation or integrity of the pipeline.”
Discussion of Criticality
As qualified personnel, individuals must be able to “recognize
and react to abnormal operating conditions.”
Discussion of Progress
ASME B31Q has been drafted to address operator training,
qualification, and certification. It is expected to be published in 2006.
Recommendations
Standards for hydrogen pipeline operator qualification must be
incorporated by reference into the federal code. There may be the need for a
national training program for hydrogen pipeline operators.
