Section 173-360-730. Training requirements for operators.

UST system owners and operators shall ensure that each Class A, Class B, and Class C operator is trained in accordance with the requirements of this section. Individuals designated for more than one operator class must successfully complete the training required for each operator class that he or she is designated.

(1) Class A and Class B operators. Each Class A and Class B operator must successfully complete a classroom, computer, or field-based training program or examination that:

(a) Is developed and administered by the department, an UST system owner or operator approved by the department, or an independent third party approved by the department;

(b) Covers the following subject areas and associated requirements in this chapter. Training programs and examinations may be facility-specific:

(i) Administrative requirements, including:

(A) Licensing and fees;

(B) Facility compliance tags;

(C) Authority to accept product delivery;

(D) Financial responsibility; and

(E) Reporting and recordkeeping;

(ii) Certification and use of service providers;

(iii) Compliance inspections and enforcement;

(iv) Overview of UST systems and components;

(v) Product and equipment compatibility;

(vi) Installation and repair requirements;

(vii) Spill and overfill prevention;

(viii) Release detection;

(ix) Corrosion protection and internal lining;

(x) Secondary and under-dispenser containment;

(xi) Operation and maintenance requirements;

(xii) Release reporting and confirmation requirements;

(xiii) Overview of site assessment requirements;

(xiv) Overview of cleanup requirements for releases, including the applicability of chapter 173-340 WAC;

(xv) Temporary closure, permanent closure, and change-in-service requirements;

(xvi) Operator training requirements, including training of Class C operators; and

(xvii) Any other subject areas specified by the department; and

(c) Includes an evaluation of operator knowledge, such as testing or practical examination, that reasonably determines whether the operator has the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the responsibilities of the class.

(2) Class C operators. Each Class C operator must successfully complete a classroom, computer, or field-based training program that:

(a) Is developed and administered by the department, a trained Class A or Class B operator, or an independent third party approved by the department;

(b) Provides training on how to respond to emergencies and alarms, including:

(i) Locating emergency response equipment;

(ii) Operating any emergency shut-off systems;

(iii) Identifying and responding to any alarms; and

(iv) Responding to and reporting any spills or releases; and

(c) Includes an evaluation of operator knowledge, such as testing or practical examination, that reasonably determines whether the operator has the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the responsibilities of the class.

(3) Reciprocity for out-of-state training. Class A and Class B operators previously designated in another state or at a tribal UST facility shall be deemed to meet the training requirements in subsection (1) of this section if:

(a) They successfully completed a training program or examination meeting the requirements of that state or 40 C.F.R. Part 280, as applicable; and

(b) They possess the training records required under WAC 173-360-760(2) and the records identify the state where they were designated and trained.

(4) Acceptance of prior in-state training.

(a) Class A and Class B operators who successfully completed an applicable training program or examination approved by the department before October 1, 2012, and possess the training records required in WAC 173-360-760(2) shall be deemed to meet the training requirements in subsection (1) of this section.

(b) Class C operators who successfully completed a training program approved by the department or administered by a trained Class A or Class B operator before October 1, 2012, and possess the training records required in WAC 173-360-760(2) shall be deemed to meet the training requirements in subsection (2) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.76 RCW. WSR 12-17-041 (Order 08-08), § 173-360-730, filed 8/8/12, effective 10/1/12.]

Chapter 90.76 RCW. WSR 12-17-041 (Order 08-08), § 173-360-730, filed 8/8/12, effective 10/1/12.

Rules

173-340,173-360-760,173-360-760,173-360-760,