B31Q Task List - 2010 Update Coming Soon! |
 The ASME B31Q Task Standard was first published in 2006 and establishes the requirements for developing and implementing an effective Pipeline Personnel Qualification Program (OQ Program) utilizing accepted industry practices. The Standard specifies the requirements for identifying covered tasks that impact the safety or integrity of pipelines, for qualifying individuals to perform those tasks, and for managing the qualifications of pipeline personnel. This Standard applies to tasks that impact the safety or integrity of pipelines, with the exception of issues that specifically relate to design or engineering tasks, and tasks that are primarily intended to ensure personnel safety.
By utilizing a standardized task list and methodology, pipeline owners/operators can rely on industry standards and best practices to establish an initial task list or update their OQ program and/or task list in compliance with DOT Inspection Protocol 2.01 (Development of Covered Task List) and 6.01 (Program Performance and Improvement).
A new 2010 revision to the ASME B31Q Task Standard has recently been completed and is currently under public review. The 2010 revision is anticipated to be published at the end of the 3rd quarter or the beginning of the 4th quarter of 2010.
For more information about the B31Q Task Standard or the requirements of the nine (9) DOT/PHMSA Inspection Protocols/Elements, please contact ENERGY worldnet at 940-626-1941 or email us at support@energyworldnet.com. |
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OQ Overview - Tasks and Evaluations |
| A common inquiry received by ENERGY worldnet deals with the use and purpose of tasks versus evaluations. These items are interrelated and the terms are often used interchangeably in the industry; however, they are distinctly different elements of the OQ Rule.
From a practical level, tasks are the operator and/or regulatory definitions and structures used to identify and organize each issue that must be addressed by the operator in order to comply with Chapter 49 CFR 192 and 195 of the DOT's OQ Rule.
Evaluations are the individual assessments tools utilized to ensure that each worker has successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skill and abilities necessary to perform a Covered Task on jurisdictional pipelines and facilities. Acceptable methods of evaluation include written tests, oral exams and performance (observation) evaluations. Training itself is not an evaluation method, but it is an important and necessary part of the OQ process.
What is the definition of a Covered Task?
Under the DOT OQ Rules, covered tasks are those that meet the following four criteria:
1. It is performed on a pipeline facility
2. It is an operations or maintenance task
3. It is required by DOT Regulations 49 CFR Part 192 (gas)
or Part 195 (liquids); and
4. Affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline
Although not currently part of the mandatory OQ Rule, the industry is moving toward the adoption of OQ for new construction activities and any activity that affects the safety and integrity of the pipeline. In addition, gathering lines and other facilities are being incorporated into the official OQ Rules and also into many operators' OQ Plans on a voluntary basis. These and other tasks which may affect the safety and integrity of the pipeline are often considered Non-Covered Tasks, but they may still be an official requirement of the pipeline owner/operator written Operator Qualification Plan.
Accordingly, each operator or contractor employee who performs a task may be required to successfully complete multiple evaluations related to that specific task in order to demonstrate that they are "Qualified" and have the knowledge, skills, abilities necessary to perform the required activity.
Under the DOT regulations, the term "Qualified" means that an individual has been evaluated (tested) and can properly perform assigned covered tasks (regulated activities) and can recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions (AOCs). |
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OQ Dashboard |
ENERGY worldnet has successfully completed testing on a new OQ Dashboard feature. The OQ Dashboard and a revised Evaluation Expiration Notification process better enables companies to track the status of expiring evaluations. Conveniently located on the Welcome/Home Page in PRO II, the OQ Dashboard provides a summary overview and a detailed list of all evaluations expiring in the next 30, 60 and 90 days, and also those evaluations that have expired in the last 30 days.
The OQ Dashboard was implemented on the PRO II System on July 4, 2010. The OQ Dashboard is currently updated each Monday, but will start updating daily, Monday through Saturday, effective July 17, 2010. All active administrators in the PRO II System now have access to view their company's OQ Dashboard.
For additional information on using specific features and functionality of the PRO II System, call us at 940-626-1941 or email us at support@energyworldnet.com.
As always, we look forward to helping you with your Operator Qualification needs! |
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PRO II System Tech Tip |
Have you tried submitting or printing an evaluation and you can't find it?
Remember when submitting or printing an evaluation, be sure to choose the correct source from the "Show" filter. Typically this should be ENERGY worldnet, unless it is an evaluation created by a third party or an operator specific evaluation, in which case you would select their name from the drop down filter. After you have done this, select the type of evaluation and enter the evaluation name or number and click on Search Evaluations.
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