ITB-2025-01_Construction_Services_-_Natural_Gas_Distribution_Infrastructure_Project_-_Addendum_2_Attachment_2.pdf

Operator Qualification Program

Prepared By:

June 2024

OPERATOR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM June 2024

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RECORD OF PLAN REVIEW AND REVISIONS

Revision

No.

Revision

Date

Sections Revised

Remarks Review

Person(s)

A 11/10/2016 All Plan completely revised and reformatted by Payne Pipeline Services

Steve Robey

B 11/30/2017 12.0 Annual review, contact name change Danny Rice

- 11/7/2018 - Annual review, no change Danny Rice

- 7/12/2019 - Annual review, no change Danny Rice

- 7/30/2020 - Annual review, no change Danny Rice

C 8/5/2021 Appendix A Abnormal Operating Condition list added Danny Rice

D 8/9/2022

Appendix G Annual review, Updated Accepted Contractors Danny Rice

E 6/9/2023

Section 4.1 Section 12

Annual Review Added Evaluator Criteria Updated Acceptable Method for Notice of Significant Change

Danny Rice

- 6/1/2023 None Annual review, no change Danny Rice

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Terms and Definitions

2.0 ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Roles and Responsibilities

2.2 Operator Qualification – Natural Gas of Milton Personnel

2.3 Operator Qualification – Contract Personnel

2.4 Operator Qualification – Personnel from other Utilities

2.5 Mutual Assistance Agreements

2.6 Mergers and Acquisitions

2.7 Verification of Operator Qualification at the Job Site

3.0 COVERED TASK IDENTIFICATION

4.0 PERSONNEL EVALUATION

4.1 Evaluation Method

4.2 Frequency of Evaluation

4.3 Re-Evaluation

4.4 Training

4.5 Grading and Criteria for Exams

5.0 USE OF NON-QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

6.0 EVALUATION FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT

7.0 EVALUATION FOLLOWING POOR PERFORMANCE

8.0 COVERED TASK CHANGES

8.1 Potential Changes

8.2 Task Review Requirements

9.0 SUBSEQUENT RE-EVALUATION OF EXISTING TASKS

10.0 QUALIFICATION OF NEW TASKS

11.0 QUALIFICATION BY OTHERS

12.0 PLAN REVIEW AND REVISION

13.0 RECORDKEEPING

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Forms and Abnormal Operating Condition List

Appendix B Covered Tasks

Appendix C Completed Task Assessment Forms

Appendix D Mutual Assistance Agreements

Appendix E Employee Qualifications

Appendix F Third Party Qualifications

Appendix G Accepted Contractors

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DOT REGULATION CROSS-REFERENCE INDEX

Adopted from PHMSA Form 14 OQ Inspection (Rev. May 2015).

49 CFR PART 192.801-192.809

Qualification of Pipeline Personnel

Description Section Training and Qualification - Operator Qualification 1 192.805(a)

192.801(b) Operator Qualification Plan and Covered Tasks Is there an OQ plan that includes covered tasks, and the basis used for identifying covered tasks?

3.0 App. B & C

2 192.805(g) Reevaluation Intervals for Covered Tasks Does the process establish and justify requirements for reevaluation intervals for each covered task? App. A & B

3 192.805(b) 192.805(f) 192.805(c)

Contractors Adhering to OQ Plan Does the process require the OQ plan to be communicated to contractors and ensure that contractors are following the plan?

2.3

4 192.805(b) 192.805(c) 192.855(d) 192.805(e) 192.805(f)

Contractor and Other Entity Qualification Does the process require contractor organizations or other entities that perform covered tasks on behalf of the operator to be qualified?

4.0 4.1

5 192.805(h)

Contractor Qualification Documentation Meets Operator Requirements Does the OQ plan document that the operator has assured that the procedures on which an OQ vendor has evaluated qualified personnel are the same or consistent with those used by the operator for employees and contractors in the field?

4.0 4.1

6 192.805(b) 192.805(c) 192.805(d) 192.805(e) 192.805(f)

Management of Other Entities Performing Covered Tasks Does the OQ plan require other entities that perform covered tasks on behalf of the operator to be qualified?

2.5 4.0

App. D & F

7 192.805(b) 192.803 192.809(d) 192.809(e)

Evaluation Methods Are evaluation methods established and documented appropriate to each covered task?

4.1 App. B

8 192.803 Abnormal Operating Conditions Does the OQ Plan contain requirements to assure that individuals performing covered tasks are able to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions (AOCs)?

4.1 4.4

9 192.805(b) 192.803

Planning for Mergers and Acquisitions (Due Diligence re: Acquiring Qualified Individuals) Does the process adequately manage qualifications of individuals performing covered tasks during program integration following a merger or acquisition?

2.6

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Description Section 13 192.805(h) Training Requirements (Initial, Retraining, and Reevaluation) Does the

OQ program provide for initial qualification, retraining and reevaluation of individuals performing covered tasks?

4.2 4.3 4.4

App. C 14 192.805(c) Covered Task Performed by Non-Qualified Individual Are there provisions for non-qualified individuals to perform covered tasks while being directed and observed by a qualified individual, and are there restrictions and limitations placed on such activities?

5.0

15 192.805(d) 192.805(e)

Personnel Performance Monitoring Does the program include provisions to evaluate an individual if there is reason to believe the individual is no longer qualified to perform a covered task based on: covered task performance by an individual contributed to an incident or accident; other factors affecting the performance of covered tasks?

6.0

7.0

16 192.805(f) Management of Changes Does the OQ program identify how changes to procedures, tools standards and other elements used by individuals in performing covered tasks are communicated to the individuals, including contractor individuals, and how these changes are implemented in the evaluation method(s)?

8.0 App. A

17 192.805(i) Notification of Significant Plan Changes Does the process require significant OQ program changes to be identified and the Administrator or State agency notified?

12.0

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This manual provides guidelines, procedures, and organizational responsibilities for compliance with the minimum pipeline safety regulations as required by 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart N, for the Natural Gas of Milton Pipeline System administered from Milton, Florida. Additionally, this manual is to serve as a coordination document among Natural Gas of Milton organizational elements, between Natural Gas of Milton and involved contractors/sub-contractors, and between Natural Gas of Milton and regulatory agencies.

The purpose of this document is to outline the methodology to be used in developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive Operator Qualification (OQ) Program that will reduce the risk of accidents or incidents on the Natural Gas of Milton Pipeline System, through the use of qualified individuals.

The stated purpose will be accomplished by:

• Establishing objective criteria for determining qualifications,

• Using various evaluation methods to demonstrate proficiency while performing a covered task and to be able to recognize and respond to abnormal situations encountered during the performance of a covered task,

• Maintaining sufficient records to ensure continued compliance, and

• Identifying the organizational responsibilities that will ensure a qualified workforce.

The intent of this OQ Plan is to ensure that qualified individuals perform covered tasks (or personally direct and observe the performance of covered tasks) and are able to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may occur while performing covered tasks.

1.1 Terms and Definitions

Abnormal Operating Condition (AOC) As defined in 49 CFR 192.803, an abnormal operating condition means a condition identified by the operator that may indicate a malfunction of a component or deviation from normal operations that may:

(a) Indicate a condition exceeding design limits; or

(b) Result in a hazard or hazards to persons, property, or the environment.

Activity A specific deed, action, function, or sphere of action.

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Covered Task As defined in 49 CFR 192.801, a covered task is an activity that:

(1) Is performed on a pipeline facility;

(2) Is an operations or maintenance task;

(3) Is performed as a requirement of CFR 192; and

(4) Affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline.

Direct To take authoritative charge of or supervise; to control, order or command.

Direct Observation Observation of an unqualified individual(s) during the performance of a covered task by an individual who is qualified to perform the task. The observer must be in direct visual and verbal contact with the individual(s) and must be able to take immediate and effective corrective action if incorrect procedures or abnormal operating conditions are observed.

Employee The term “employee”, as used in this plan, includes the following classifications:

cross-training, gas maintenance, line locators, meter readers and new hires.

Emergency Response

(1) Operator qualification requirements for emergency response are limited to that portion of the response performed on the pipeline facility, rather than at offsite locations remote from the facility (e.g., deploying booms miles away is not a “covered task”).

(2) Fire departments and other public responders are not required to be qualified and (if not qualified) must not perform covered operations or maintenance tasks on the pipeline facility.

(3) All other individuals employed by the operator shall be qualified to perform their assigned covered tasks or shall be under the direct observation of a qualified individual.

(4) Covered emergency response tasks are those tasks listed in 49 CFR 192.615 that meet the four-part test specified in 49 CFR 192.801.

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Evaluation As defined in 49 CFR 192.803, Evaluation means a process, established and documented to determine an individual’s ability to perform a covered task by any of the following:

(a) Written examination;

(b) Oral examination;

(c) Work performance history review;

(d) Observation during

(1) Performance on the job,

(2) On the job training, or

(3) Simulations

(e) Other forms of assessment

Evaluator Persons or companies performing evaluations should possess the required knowledge to:

(1) Ascertain an individual's ability to perform the covered tasks, and

(2) Substantiate an individual's ability to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that might surface while performing those activities. This does not necessarily mean that the person performing the evaluations should be physically able to perform the covered tasks themselves.

Individual A person who, on behalf of the operator, performs one or more covered tasks on a pipeline facility operated by the operator. This includes contractors, subcontractors, and operator employees.

Observation of On-The-Job Performance

(1) Observation without interaction during on-the-job performance does not provide an adequate measurement of the knowledge and skills of the individual;

(2) PHMSA has determined that there are no covered tasks to date where observation of on-the-job performance is an adequate, sole method for examining or testing qualification; and

(3) Observation of on-the-job performance does not measure the individual's ability to recognize and react to abnormal operation conditions (AOCs).

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Operate Starting, stopping and/or monitoring a device or system.

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Task Activities performed by an individual, or group of individuals, to

(1) perform a function on a pipeline facility, or

(2) provide upkeep of a pipeline facility. This includes in-kind replacement of an existing section of pipe necessitated by severe corrosion, where the capacity of the pipe segments is maintained and service is not expanded. It also includes maintenance and repair tasks performed on the right-of-way or within the confines of a “pipeline facility”, as defined. This would include ordinary repairs to a pipeline, including replacement of one or more pipe joints or segments that have been severely damaged by threats such as corrosion or third party damage. Tasks performed away from a “pipeline facility”, as at a vendor shop (such as rebuilding/refurbishment of meters and regulators, rebuilding of compressors or valves, etc.) are not considered to be O&M tasks for the purposes of the Operator Qualification Rule.

However, removal and replacement of such equipment is considered an O&M task. The tie-in of a new pipeline or segment to an existing pipeline is an O&M task; any task carried out on that new segment of pipeline thereafter is also an O&M task.

Qualified Individual As defined in 49 CFR 192.803, Qualified means that an individual has been evaluated and can:

(a) Perform assigned covered tasks; and

(b) Recognize and react appropriately to abnormal operating conditions.

Significant As applicable to OQ program modifications, significant includes but is not limited to: increasing evaluation intervals, increasing span of control ratios, eliminating covered tasks, mergers and/or acquisition changes, evaluation method changes such as written vs. observation, and wholesale changes made to OQ plan.

Training An educational or instructional process (e.g., classroom, computer-based, or on-the-job) by which an individual's knowledge and skill level is improved. While not currently required by the OQ rule, training is nonetheless fundamental to implementing many of the OQ rule’s requirements.

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Unsatisfactory Performance As used in reference to performance, unsatisfactory means poor performance, inability to safely perform job requirements, or continued failure to meet expectations.

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2.0 ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The term “employees”, as used in this plan, includes the following classifications:

cross-training, gas maintenance, line locators, meter readers and new hires.

2.1 Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ensure that employees and contractors performing covered tasks on the gas pipeline system are qualified in accordance with this plan.

• Ensure that employees and contractors are aware of the Operator Qualification Program requirements.

• Ensure that employees and contractors performing covered tasks are aware of the current list of covered tasks and of the requirements of the Operator Qualification Program pertaining to these tasks.

• Maintain adequate records to document employee and contractor qualifications.

• Ensure changes to covered tasks and training or evaluation requirements are communicated to effected employees, and contractors.

• Ensure changes to procedures, tools standards, and other elements used by individuals in performing covered tasks are communicated to effected employees, and contractors.

• Initiate and maintain the communications with companies with whom Natural Gas of Milton has Mutual Assistance agreements in order to assure public safety during emergencies.

• Distribute and update operator qualification cards to qualified individuals.

Employees and contractors are:

• Expected to know those covered tasks that can only be performed by persons qualified under this Operator Qualification Plan.

• Expected to immediately report to the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager if they have reason to believe that any coworkers are no longer qualified to perform a task, or if a non-qualified person has performed a covered task without being directed or observed by a qualified person.

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• Expected to immediately report to the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager any covered task being performed on the pipeline facilities by a non-qualified person not directed or observed by a qualified person.

Qualified personnel are responsible for the supervision of non-qualified personnel performing a covered task.

2.2 Operator Qualification – Natural Gas of Milton Personnel

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Internal OQ Program and overseeing necessary adjustments. Responsibilities include the identification of the covered tasks, determining the qualification requirements of the covered tasks, and the methods utilized to ensure that company personnel are qualified to perform the covered tasks and can recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions.

2.3 Operator Qualification – Contract Personnel

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Contractor OQ Program. Responsibilities include the identification of the covered tasks, determining the qualification requirements of the covered tasks, and the methods utilized to ensure that contract personnel are qualified to perform the covered tasks.

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will be responsible for making this OQ Plan available to contractors upon request and for communicating with the contractors to ensure that the OQ Plan is being followed.

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will verify that the contractor and their personnel have received appropriate training for the covered tasks to be performed. Records associated with the contractor training will be maintained at the Gas Department Main Office in Natural Gas of Milton, Florida. (See Appendix G) Appropriate training includes resources associated with training modules or equivalent courses related to the covered task and recognizing and reacting to abnormal operating conditions (See Appendix B).

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2.4 Operator Qualification – Personnel from other Utilities

Natural Gas of Milton may request assistance from other Utility Companies. The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager at the Utility called to assist will ensure that the personnel sent are qualified for the task required.

2.5 Mutual Assistance Agreements

Natural Gas of Milton does not currently have any mutual assistance agreements with local government personnel responsible for emergency response.

In the event of an emergency, Natural Gas of Milton may utilize employees of other gas companies to restore natural gas service to customers. These individuals may be required to perform certain covered tasks. Natural Gas of Milton has prepared agreements with these companies. Current practice is to assign employees of other gas companies to work with qualified employees of Natural Gas of Milton to ensure that company practices are followed. Natural Gas of Milton may accept the training of other companies for specific covered tasks. Mutual assistance agreements and the specified covered tasks are listed in Appendix D.

For these and other covered tasks, the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager is responsible for notifying the companies with whom Natural Gas of Milton has mutual assistance agreements of the following: Abnormal Operating Conditions that may be different at Natural Gas of Milton, covered task changes, or changes in operations that may impact emergency response.

2.6 Mergers and Acquisitions

In the event of a merger or acquisition, the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager is responsible for ensuring that any existing training program used by the company being acquired or merged will comply with Natural Gas of Milton Operator Qualification program requirements. This would include the assignment and performance of covered tasks during the merger or acquisition.

2.7 Verification of Operator Qualification at the Job Site

Remote operations are coordinated through communication with Control Center Operations. The responsible Supervisor and/or his designee will be responsible for verifying that individuals performing covered tasks are qualified or are directed and observed by a qualified individual at remote locations.

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Qualification cards may be used by qualified individuals to indicate proof of operator qualification at the job site. Qualifications may also be verified at the main office. The Gas Department Supervisor is responsible for issuing qualification cards.

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3.0 COVERED TASK IDENTIFICATION

A list of covered tasks was generated for company personnel and contractor personnel. The covered task list was generated by reviewing 49 CFR 192, existing operational and procedural documents, Operations and Maintenance Plan, Emergency Response Plan, Standard Operating Procedures, and other documents.

In addition, lists compiled by trade organizations, affiliates and other groups (e.g.

API, NACE, ASME, etc.) were considered. Covered tasks will include activities that satisfy all of the following criteria:

(1) It is performed on the pipeline facility,

(2) It is an operations or maintenance task,

(3) It is performed pursuant to a requirement in 49 CFR 192, and

(4) It affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline.

A Task Assessment Form (see Appendix A) will be utilized to evaluate each potential covered task. A list of all covered tasks is contained in Appendix B.

Each covered task was assigned a span of control, which specifies how many non-qualified individuals may be directed by one Qualified Individual. If the span of control is zero, as is the case for welding or hot tapping, non-qualified personnel are not allowed to perform the work. This means a qualified individual must perform the work. The span of control for each covered task is listed in Appendix B.

Each covered task was also assigned a re-evaluation interval and evaluation method, based on several factors, including industry standards and difficulty of the task. Re-evaluation interval and evaluation method for each task can be found in Appendix B.

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4.0 PERSONNEL EVALUATION

When the Operator Qualification program was first established (December 2000), Natural Gas of Milton decided NOT to use work performance history in the initial or subsequent qualification of Natural Gas of Milton employees or contractors.

While work performance history is not normally used in operator qualification evaluation, it may be used as an additional method of evaluation.

Natural Gas of Milton requires contractor and subcontractors to be evaluated and qualified prior to performing covered tasks, unless the covered task is performed by a non-qualified individual under the direction and observation of a qualified individual.

Natural Gas of Milton requires individuals from other utility companies, working in accordance with mutual assistance agreements, to be evaluated and qualified prior to performing covered tasks, unless the covered task is performed by a non-qualified individual under the direction and observation of a qualified individual.

4.1 Evaluation Method

The evaluation methods utilized ensure that all individuals performing covered tasks are qualified. This includes contract personnel and personnel from companies with mutual assistance agreements. Personnel identified as evaluators need not be qualified under the rule (except for initial qualification) but will possess the required knowledge to ascertain an individual’s ability to perform covered tasks and recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that might occur while performing those tasks. The method used for a specific task is listed in Appendix C. The evaluation procedure utilized for individuals will include one or more of the following methods:

(a) Work performance history review (not sole source)

(b) Examination following training (written or oral)

(c) Observation during:

(1) On the job performance of the covered task (field evaluation, not sole source)

(2) Simulation of the task, or

(3) Other forms of evaluation

(d) Evaluation of documentation: Work Orders, Valve Maintenance records, Audits, and Inspection forms

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(e) Computer Based Training (CBT)

(f) Qualification by others (see Section 11.0)

If work performance history review is used as an evaluation method, another method will also be used. If on-the-job performance is used as an evaluation method, another method will also be used. Observation of on-the-job performance does not measure the individual's ability to recognize and react to abnormal operation conditions (AOCs). In the event that the method of evaluation involves testing or observation, the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee is responsible for developing the test and/or evaluation form(s). The role of an evaluator for field evaluations, simulations, or other methods of observation may only be fulfilled by an individual of the superintendent or foreman level within Natural Gas of Milton with at least two years of job experience.

4.2 Frequency of Evaluation

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will determine the frequency and specifics of subsequent qualification requirements, as well as actions to be taken in the event that an individual fails to attain a satisfactory evaluation or has his/her qualification revoked.

4.3 Re-Evaluation

Individuals that fail to qualify will be allowed to perform the covered task only while are directed and observed by a qualified individual. The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will review the results of all failed qualification testing procedures to determine and recommend an appropriate course of remedial action to be taken. The individual who failed to satisfactorily complete the covered task will be given the opportunity to review the material related to the performance of that task and be re-tested, but no sooner than 24-hours from the date of the failed qualification test. The individual will be given the opportunity to be re-evaluated as soon as the individual and the company are certain he/she can perform the covered task with the necessary level of competence.

If an individual has been away from the job for a period of six months or more, the individual may be required to be re-evaluated prior to performing the covered task in question.

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4.4 Training

Training for new employees (who perform a covered task on a pipeline), subsequent refresher training, or new training modules will be composed of, but not limited to: in-house training, computer based training, safety huddles, on-the-job training, and training by other industry recognized agencies.

The OQ Plan Coordinator and/or the Contract Coordinator may change the training as needed.

New employees and first-time contractors (who perform a covered task on a pipeline) will receive training to recognize and react to generic abnormal operating conditions.

New employees and first-time contractors may perform their assigned tasks prior to qualification but must do so under the direction and observation of a qualified individual.

4.5 Grading and Criteria for Exams

For covered tasks, a minimum score of 80% correct on exams will be required to obtain qualification. For Abnormal Operating Conditions, a minimum score of 100% correct will be required to obtain qualification.

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5.0 USE OF NON-QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

Individuals who are not qualified to perform a covered task may do so as long as a qualified individual directs and observes the performance and is able to take immediate corrective action if necessary. The qualified member of the crew is responsible for ensuring the safe performance of the task, regardless of weather conditions.

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will ensure that one (1) or more qualified individuals perform the covered task, and that non-qualified individuals are directed and observed by a qualified individual.

The qualified individual must be on-site at all times to recognize and react to any abnormal operating conditions. Work by non-qualified personnel must be suspended upon departure of the qualified individual.

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will inform the qualified individual of his/her obligations to direct and observe the work of the non-qualified individual. The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will ensure that the qualified individual is able to recognize and react to Abnormal Operating Conditions. In no case will a qualified individual be allowed to direct and observe more than five (5) individuals.

Each covered task will be assigned a span of control which specifies how many non-qualified individuals may be directed by one qualified individual. In the event of welding or hot tapping, the span of control is zero. This means a qualified individual must perform the work. Non-qualified personnel are not allowed to perform such work.

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6.0 EVALUATION FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT

In the event of an incident, an individual (or individuals) must be re-evaluated if there is reason to believe that the individual’s performance contributed to the incident as defined in 49 CFR Part 191. This requirement might also include incidents that result in notification courtesy calls to state and/or local regulators.

Should any employee have reason to believe that an individual’s performance of a covered task contributed to an incident, he/she shall immediately forward the following information to the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager:

(a) name of individual(s),

(b) description of incident,

(c) date and location of occurrence, and

(d) covered task(s) involved.

The individual involved in the incident will immediately have his/her qualification suspended until an evaluation of the circumstances has been completed. The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will decide which re-evaluation method is appropriate for the individual and the specific covered task (which may be different than the original evaluation method).

In the event that the individual’s performance is deemed satisfactory by the evaluator, no change in status will be indicated.

If the individual’s performance is deemed to be unsatisfactory, the evaluator will notify the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager that the individual is no longer qualified to perform the covered task. If the individual is a company employee, a copy of the evaluation will be placed in the employees’ records and the information will be updated in the training records.

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7.0 EVALUATION FOLLOWING POOR PERFORMANCE

Should an employee have reason to believe that an individual is no longer qualified to perform a covered task, he/she shall immediately forward the following information to the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager:

(a) name of individual,

(b) description of the reason or event,

(c) date and location of occurrence, and

(d) covered task(s) involved.

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will decide which re-evaluation method is appropriate for the individual and the specific covered task if deemed necessary. The re-evaluation method may be different than the original evaluation method.

In the event that the individual’s performance is deemed satisfactory by the evaluator, no change in status will be indicated.

If the individual’s performance is deemed to be unsatisfactory, the evaluator will notify the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager that the individual is no longer qualified to perform the covered task. If the individual is a company employee, a copy of the evaluation will be placed in the employees’ records and the information will be updated in the training records.

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8.0 COVERED TASK CHANGES

8.1 Potential Changes

There are numerous ways in which internal or external changes may impact the way a covered task is performed. Such changes may include:

(a) Changes to the Company’s policies or procedures,

(b) Changes in applicable regulations,

(c) Changes in technology,

(d) Changes in Contractor Personnel, or

(e) Changes in Company Personnel.

8.2 Task Review Requirements

Operations Personnel will meet periodically for the purpose of reviewing the OQ Plan and identifying significant changes.

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager will establish and maintain a method for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information regarding changes which may affect the covered tasks identified. Additionally, he will assess the impact that the changes will have on the task and make adjustments as necessary. These adjustments could involve anything from informing qualified individuals of the changes to requiring complete re-evaluation. The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager will approve all revisions.

Information associated with OQ Plan task changes will be disseminated through the use of memorandums, which must be signed for receipt. However, in the case of an emergency situation, an immediate safety meeting may be declared for all affected employees, contractors and employees of other gas companies with whom Natural Gas of Milton has Mutual Assistance agreements.

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9.0 SUBSEQUENT RE-EVALUATION OF EXISTING TASKS

The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will be responsible for identifying the appropriate subsequent re-evaluation method necessary. This decision will be based on the task itself, the expected frequency of performance, and other significant factors.

Intervals for subsequent re-evaluation will not exceed five (5) years (within the calendar year) from the date of original qualification, for any one covered task.

Each covered task will be assigned a re-evaluation interval.

Individuals that fail to re-qualify will be allowed to perform the covered task only while directed and observed by a qualified individual. The individual who failed to satisfactorily complete the performance of a covered task will be given the opportunity to review the material related to the performance of that task. The individual will then be given the opportunity to be re-evaluated as soon as the individual is certain he/she can perform the covered task with the necessary level of competence, but no sooner than 24-hours from the previous re-qualification attempt.

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10.0 QUALIFICATION OF NEW TASKS

Following the identification of a new covered task, the Gas Department Supervisor/Manager and/or his designee will be responsible for identifying the appropriate qualification method necessary. This decision will be based on the task itself and other significant factors.

Individuals that fail to qualify will be allowed to perform the new covered task only when directed and observed by a qualified individual. The individual who failed to satisfactorily complete the performance of a covered task will be given the opportunity to review the material related to the performance of that task. The individual will then be given the opportunity to be re-evaluated as soon as the individual is certain he/she can perform the covered task with the necessary level of competence.

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11.0 QUALIFICATION BY OTHERS

Qualifications (certification) may be accepted that have been completed under the programs of industry recognized agencies, associations, and other similar institutes, such as:

• NACE International,

• American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT),

• American Petroleum Institute (API),

• Other industry recognized programs.

However, the existing certifications listed above are not solely acceptable to determine qualification. Qualified individuals must be able to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may occur while performing covered tasks that may be unique to Natural Gas of Milton.

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12.0 PLAN REVIEW AND REVISION

The plan review shall be performed periodically. Revisions shall be made as soon as practicable following any significant change (e.g., increasing evaluation intervals, increasing span of control ratios, eliminating covered tasks, mergers and/or acquisition changes, evaluation method changes such as written vs. observation, wholesale changes, installing new equipment, and a change in operating procedures, etc.) affecting the plan, and as necessary for routine updating.

A copy of the OQ Plan shall be maintained at the facility and shall be available for inspection by applicable regulatory agencies.

Changes may be suggested by any user of this manual, at any level of employment by this facility. Change recommendations should be written (preferably typed) and sent for review to:

Area Superintendent Danny Rice 5438 Alabama Street Milton, FL 32570

Telephoning in the change recommendation to be followed by the hardcopy is the preferable method. Use of telephone facsimile (FAX) is authorized, but it is always best to mail or otherwise get a hardcopy to follow it up.

Changes should contain reference to what, how, why, where, and when the material is to be changed. A Management of Change Form is included in Appendix A.

Changes received will be reviewed by the approving authority on a first come basis, with a target review period not to exceed 90 days from time of receipt at the office mentioned above, unless an emergency situation dictates otherwise. Any editing required or review by outside agencies will increase the review process time, but the office above will attempt to complete the review process as rapidly as possible.

Changes approved for entry into this manual will be produced and promulgated by the approving authority through the office above. This office will maintain a database of these changes and the recipients of them for a period of 2 years beyond the incorporation of a change.

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Changes will be entered by personnel holding a manual immediately upon receipt from the promulgating office. Change entries made in these manuals shall be recorded on the sheet provided in the beginning of the manual.

Notice of significant changes to the plan will be communicated to the appropriate regulatory agency, such as Administrator or State agency. This must be accomplished in accordance with §192.18: by sending the notification by electronic mail to InformationResourcesManager@dot.gov, or by sending the notification by mail to ATTN: Information Resources Manager, DOT/PHMSA/OPS, East Building, 2nd Floor, E22–321, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590. The Gas Department Supervisor/Manager is responsible for determining which changes are significant.

mailto:InformationResourcesManager@dot.gov

Revision: E Page 23

13.0 RECORDKEEPING

All records maintained will satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• Records will include identifying information (name, employee number, etc.).

• Records will include the name of the covered task(s) the individual is qualified to perform, the qualification dates, method of qualification/evaluation, and results of qualification/evaluation.

• All records will be maintained as active while the individual is qualified to perform the covered task.

• All previous records will be retained for a minimum of five (5) years.

• Record keeping will be done electronically and on paper.

• Records will be maintained at the Gas Department facility or Main Office in Milton, Florida.

• Training records for employees no longer performing covered tasks will be kept for a minimum of (5) years.

APPENDIX A

FORMS AND

ABNORMAL OPERATING CONDITION LIST

Management of Change Form

Date of Change:

Description of Change:

Reason for Change (Check those Items that Apply):

Suggestion from Organization or Person

Change in O & M Procedure(s)

Change in Integrity Management Program

Required by Regulation

Incidents, For Cause, Near Misses

Industry Incidents

Operation Improvemen t / New Service

Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

13.1

Impact of Change (Check those Items that Apply):

OQ Plan Training Task (s)

Impacted O & M Procedure(s)

Integrity Management Program

Other Procedures

Regulatory Agency Notification Required?

Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

Change Communicated:

What communicated:

Task(s) Impacted:

Individuals Impacted:

Name and Position of Person Processing the Change:

Date of Change:

Name of the person(s) receiving the changes associated with the performance of covered tasks:

Date of Notification:

OQ Covered Task Evaluation

Abnormal Operating Condition

An abnormal condition is a condition that occurs when the operating design limits have been exceeded due to a pressure, flow rate, or temperature change outside the limits of normal conditions.

A condition identified by the operator that may indicate a malfunction of a component or deviation from normal operations that may:

(a) Indicate a condition exceeding design limits; or

(b) Result in a hazard(s) to persons, property, or the environment.

When an abnormal condition occurs, it may not pose an immediate threat to life or property but could if not promptly corrected.

Generic AOC List

(1) Unexpected hazardous gas encountered (unauthorized release, hazardous atmosphere, and contamination)

(2) Unexplained pressure deviations (increase, decrease, high, low, absent)

(3) Activation of a safety device (emergency shut downs, high pressure shut downs, case pressure shutdowns, high temperature shutdowns, etc.)

(4) Unexplained flow rate deviations (high flow, low flow, no flow)

(5) Unexplained status change (unit start-up, unit shutdown, valve open, valve close, gravity change, tank level, temperature, etc.)

(6) Fire or explosion

(7) Interruption or outage of communications/control systems/power

(8) Pipeline system damage (line hit, hurricane, lighting strikes, tornado, flood, earthquake, damaged pipeline support, etc.)

(9) Abnormal facility condition (exposed pipe, low cathodic protection levels, missing line markers, frayed or broken test lead wires, line crossing, excessive atmospheric corrosion, exposed creek crossing)

(10) Component Failure or malfunctioning component (field and SCADA components including meter failure)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

(1) Gloves

(2) Hard Hats

(3) Safety Glasses / Safety Goggles (as needed)

(4) Long Sleeve Shirts

(5) Steel-toed boots

(6) Company Approved Fire Retardant Clothing

(7) Ear Plugs

(8) Appropriate Respiratory Protection

(9) Respiratory Mask

(10) Welding Hood / Shield (for use with welding activities)

(11) Welding Gloves

(12) Tyvek Suit

APPENDIX B

COVERED TASKS

City of Milton Main Facility

Covered Task Evaluation Performed by: B31Q Task Name Span of

Control Re-eval.

IntervalOrganization Contractor

- Abandoning/Deactivating Pipeline Facilities 1 5 Years

- Conduct an Emergency Shutdown from Control Room - -

- Conduct Shift Change in Control Room - -

- Control Room Emergency Evacuation - -

- Controller Participation in Post Accident Reviews - -

- Controller Response to Accidental Releases - -

- Controller Response to Computer Outages - -

- Controller Response to Fire and Explosion - -

- Controller Response to Notification of Abnormal Situations - -

- Controller Response to Other Malfunctions - -

- Controller Response to Power Outages in the Field - -

- Controller Response to Pressure Variations - -

- Controller Response to Product Loss - -

- Controller Response to the Loss of Communications or Power

Outages in Control Room

- Controller Response to Unintended Closure of Valves or Shutdowns - -

- Emergency Notification 1 1 Year

- Emergency Shutdown Pressure Reduction 1 1 Year

- Evaluating In-Line Inspection (ILI) Data - -

- Fatigue Mitigation for Control Room Supervisors - -

- Fatigue Mitigation for Controllers - -

- Investigation of Accidents, Failures, and Defective Materials 1 1 Year

- Maintain Daily Operation Logs in Control Room - -

- Maintain Scheduled Pipeline Operation from Control Room - -

- Managing Pig Operation from Control Room - -

- Provide Protection of Pipeline Facilities (Security) 1 5 Years

- Receiving Gas Pipeline Emergency Calls - -

- Recognize and React to Alarm Conditions in Control Room - -

- Respond to Operation of Safety Devices from Control Room - -

- Responding to Fire or Explosion 1 1 Year

- Responding to Natural Disaster 1 1 Year

- Review and Manage Alarms in Control Room - -

- Safely Restoring Gas Outage 1 1 Year

- SCADA Point-to-Point Verification Coordinated with Controllers - -

- Set Up and Monitor Transfers from the Control Room - -

- Smart Pig Operations - -

- Startup & Shutdown the Pipeline from Control Room - -

- Uprating Pipelines to Operate at Higher MAOP - -

0001 Measure Structure-to-Electrolyte Potential 1 3 Years 0011 Conduct Close Interval Survey - - 0021 Measure Soil Resistivity - -

City of Milton : Main Facility Generated on 6/14/2024

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0031 Inspect and Monitor Galvanic Ground Beds/Anodes - - 0041 Installation and Maintenance of Mechanical Electrical Connections 2 3 Years 0051 Installation of Exothermic Electrical Connections 1 3 Years 0061 Inspect or Test Cathodic Protection Bonds 1 3 Years 0071 Inspect or Test Cathodic Protection Electrical Isolation Devices 1 3 Years 0081 Install Cathodic Protection Electrical Isolation Devices 1 3 Years 0091 Troubleshoot in-Service Cathodic Protection System 1 3 Years 0101 Obtain Rectifier Readings 1 3 Years 0111 Inspect and Maintain Rectifier 1 3 Years 0121 Collect Sample For Internal Corrosion Monitoring - - 0131 Insert and Remove Coupons/Probes for Internal Corrosion

Monitoring

0141 Visual Inspection for Atmospheric Corrosion 1 5 Years 0151 Visual Inspection of Buried Pipe and Components When Exposed 1 5 Years 0161 Visual Inspection for Internal Corrosion 1 5 Years 0171 Measure External Corrosion - - 0181 Measure Internal Corrosion - - 0191 Measure Atmospheric Corrosion 1 3 Years 0201 Visual Inspection of Installed Pipe and Components for Mechanical

Damage 1 5 Years

0211 Measure and Characterize Mechanical Damage on Installed Pipe and Components

1 5 Years

0221 Inspect, Test and Maintain Sensing Devices 1 5 Years 0231 Inspect, Test and Maintain Programmable Logic Controllers - - 0241 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Liquid Leak Detection Flow Computers - - 0251 Inspection and Testing, Corrective and Preventative Maintenance -

Overfill Protection Systems

0261 Inspection and Testing, Corrective and Preventative Maintenance - Tank Level Indicator Devices

0271 Prove Flow Meters For Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection - - 0281 Maintain Flow Meters For Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection - - 0291 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Gravitometers/Densitometers For

Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

0301 Manually Opening and Closing Valves 3 5 Years 0311 Adjust and Monitor Flow or Pressure - Manual Valve Operation 1 5 Years 0321 Valve Corrective Maintenance 2 3 Years 0331 Valve - Visual Inspection and Partial Operation 2 3 Years 0341 Valve - Preventive Maintenance 2 3 Years 0351 Pneumatic Actuator/Operator Inspection and Testing, Preventative and Corrective Maintenance

0361 Electric Actuator/Operator Inspection and Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

0371 Hydraulic Actuator/Operator Inspection and Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

0381 Spring-Loaded, Pressure-Regulating Device - Inspecting and Testing, Preventative and Corrective Maintenance

1 3 Years

0391 Pilot-Operated Pressure Regulating Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

1 3 Years

Performed by: B31Q Task Name Span of Control

Re-eval.

IntervalOrganization Contractor

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0401 Controller Type Pressure Regulating Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

0411 Spring-Loaded Pressure Limiting and Relief Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

1 3 Years

0421 Pilot-Operated Pressure Limiting and Relief Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

0431 Pneumatic Loaded Pressure Limiting and Relief Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

0441 Compressor Start-Up and Shutdown - Manual - - 0451 Start Up And Shutdown Pump Locally - - 0461 Compressor Preventive Maintenance - - 0471 Reciprocating Compressor Inspection, Testing and Corrective

Maintenance

0481 Centrifugal Compressor Inspection, Testing and Corrective Maintenance

0491 Rotary Compressor Inspection, Testing and Corrective Maintenance - - 0501 Perform Preventative Maintenance on a Pump - - 0511 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Centrifugal Pumps - - 0521 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Reciprocating Pump - - 0531 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Rotary Pump - - 0541 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Screw Pump - - 0551 Explosive Atmosphere Detection and Alarm System Performance

Test, and Corrective Maintenance

0561 Pressure Test: Nonliquid Medium - MAOP Less Than 100 psi - - 0571 Pressure Test: Nonliquid Medium - MAOP Greater Than or Equal to

100 psi 1 3 Years

0581 Pressure Test: Liquid Medium - - 0591 Leak Test at Operating Pressure 1 5 Years 0601 NDT - Radiographic Testing - - 0611 NDT - Liquid Penetrant Testing - - 0621 NDT - Magnetic Particle Testing - - 0631 NDT - Ultrasonic Testing - - 0641 Visually Inspect Pipe and Components Prior to Installation 1 5 Years 0651 Perform Visual Inspection of Breakout Tanks - - 0661 Perform Inspection of Breakout Tanks - - 0671 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Solvent Cement - - 0681 Joining of Plastic Pipe - Stab Fittings 3 3 Years 0691 Joining of Pipe - Non-Bottom Out Compression Couplings - - 0701 Joining of Pipe - Bottom Out Compression Couplings 1 3 Years 0711 Joining of Pipe - Compression Couplings 1 3 Years 0721 Joining of Pipe - Threaded Joints - - 0731 Joining of Pipe - Flange Assembly 1 3 Years 0741 Joining of Pipe - Brazing or Soldering - - 0751 Joining of Plastic Pipe - Butt Heat Fusion: Manual 0 3 Years 0761 Joining of Plastic Pipe - Butt Heat Fusion: Hydraulic Machine - - 0771 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Sidewall Heat 0 3 Years 0781 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Electrofusion 0 3 Years

Performed by: B31Q Task Name Span of Control

Re-eval.

IntervalOrganization Contractor

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0791 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Socket Heat Fusion 0 1 Year 0801 Welding - - 0811 Visual Inspection of Welding and Welds - - 0821 Tubing & Fitting Installation - Instrument, Control and Sampling 1 5 Years 0831 Cast Iron: Caulked Bell and Spigot Joints - Installation and

Maintenance of Mechanical Leak Clamps 2 3 Years

0841 Cast Iron: Sealing by Encapsulation - - 0851 Internal Sealing: Cast Iron and Ductile Iron - - 0861 Installation of Steel Pipe in A Ditch 1 5 Years 0871 Installation of Steel Pipe in a Bore 2 3 Years 0881 Installation of Steel Pipe Plowing/Pull-In - - 0891 Field Bending of Steel Pipe 1 5 Years 0901 Installation of Plastic Pipe in a Ditch 3 5 Years 0911 Installation of Plastic Pipe in a Bore 2 3 Years 0921 Installation of Plastic Pipe Plowing/Pull-in - - 0931 Installation of Plastic Pipe by Plowing/Planting - - 0935 Relocate a Pipeline - - 0941 Install Tracer Wire 2 5 Years 0951 Installation of Pipe Above Ground - - 0961…