Operator Qualifications
We provide your company with training, written assessments, and performance verifications. Operator Qualifications (OQ) is the mandated qualification process required by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA). OQ started with the Pipeline Safety Act of 1992, with concerns from Congress due to recent accidents. Originally, operators were required to take training for each task, even though the majority of operators were already qualified.
Pipeline companies negotiated with regulators to create a verification process in which the operator could perform the tasks in front of a qualified evaluator. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents occurred by human error by ensuring that each operator is qualified to not just perform each covered task, but to also respond to any abnormal operating conditions. We offer your company several options when it comes to OQ, from a top notch crew with years of experience.
eWebOQ
Need OQ Training? Why not online? eWebOQ is a program developed with CenterPoint Energy that covers Subpart N in 49 CFR Part 192 and Subpart G in 49 CFR Part 195 of the DOT Operator Qualification Rule. With the click of a mouse, eWebOQ is delivered to your employees over the Internet, or through your company Intranet, using a new educational vehicle called Distance Learning.
The advantage of Distance Learning is this: Your employees will be able to complete their training from any computer with access to your company Intranet or to the Internet. This computer may be located in your home office or anywhere around the globe, allowing you to get the training out to those who need it. The “engine” that is used to deliver eWebOQ is the same system that we use for our Web Based Training. It’s a tried and true vehicle that works — and it works TODAY!
Veriforce
Veriforce provides assistance to pipeline operators by helping them comply with the Operator Qualifications rule 49 CFR 192(G) and 49 CFR 195(L). Veriforce relies on covered task description and corresponding criteria provided by specific pipeline operator clients to document each evaluation and qualification granted through the Veriforce process in accordance with the OQ rule and provide real time web based reporting to the pipeline operators it serves.
Veriforce is responsible for communicating the operator’s requirements to their contractors as well as subsequent changes to general requirments, covered tasks, and associated evaluation criteria. Given this direct interaction with the contractor community, Veriforce is in an unique position to communicate back to operators those issues/challenges encountered in implementing their respective OQ programs and to assist in identifying, recommending, and implementing program improvements.
We can provide your employees with training and refer you to our associated experts that can provide evaluations from around the country.