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Need OQ Qualification?
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    • Need OQ
    • Safe Hands Safety
    • What we do!!!
    • The OQ Rule
    • Photo Gallery
    • Common Covered Tasks
    • Blogs
  • Need OQ
  • Safe Hands Safety
  • What we do!!!
  • The OQ Rule
  • Photo Gallery
  • Common Covered Tasks
  • Blogs

Operator Qualification Rule

The Rule

OQ Qualification of Personnel

Covered Tasks

An operator is responsible for the following:

  • Developing an Operator Qualification (OQ) program, following their written OQ plan;
  • Establishing a covered task list applicable to their system, and;
  • Defining the training and qualification requirements for personnel performing covered tasks on their pipeline facility;
  • Ensuring their contractors and vendors comply with their program requirements

Covered Tasks

OQ Qualification of Personnel

Covered Tasks

A covered task is an activity, identified by the operator, 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. 

OQ Qualification of Personnel

OQ Qualification of Personnel

OQ Qualification of Personnel

Workers must be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge
  • Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to recognize and react to general and task specific abnormal operating condtions

History of the OQ Rule

Operator Qualification

In 1999, the Operator Qualification (OQ) final rule was issued, enhancing training requirements for pipeline operators. The rule, which was adopted into the Code of Federal Regulations under Subpart N in 49 CFR Part 192 and Subpart G in 49 CFR Part 195, requires pipeline operators to document that certain employees have been adequately trained to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may occur while performing specific tasks.


The Inspector Training and Qualifications Division (TQ) makes available technical reference materials related to OQ to supplement the training materials. Natural gas and hazardous liquid operators may access these technical materials to better understand and comply with OQ training and record keeping requirements. Please note that TQ only provides formal training to federal and state inspectors; all other information is supplemental.


Operators should refer to the Regulatory Information for a history of changes to various sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. For an official record of current regulations, please refer to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.  


PHMSA Link

Call811.com

What is 811

811 is the phone number you call before digging to protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines.


There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, electricity and natural gas.


811 is the federally designated call before you dig number that helps homeowners and professionals avoid damaging these vital utilities. When you make the free call to 811 a few days before you dig, you'll help prevent unintended consequences such as injury to you or your family, damage to your property, utility service outages to the entire neighborhood and potential fines and repair costs.

Do I need to call 811?

Yes!  Any type of digging requires a call. Building a deck? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or mailbox? 811 is the number you should call before you begin any project.


Making the call

Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local one call center. Tell the operator where you're planning to dig.  Your affected local utility companies will be notified about your intent to dig and will send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint.


Remember:  Always call 811 before you start any digging project! You can help avoid injury, expense, embarrassment and a very inconvenient day without critical services like electricity, internet or phone.

When can I begin my digging project?

Wait for the marks! Utilities will mark their buried lines on your dig site.

Most locate crews will arrive to mark your dig site with paint or flags within a few days and will make sure you know where to avoid digging so you don't hit buried utilites.  Remember the depths of utility lines may vary and there may be multiple utility lines in the same area.  Be sure to check your state laws for specific information.

What's next?

Digging Safely

You called before digging, waited for your lines to be marked, and now it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!  Make sure to always dig carefully around the marks, not on them. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust can bring you right back to square one - facing potentially dangerous and/or costly consequences. Don't forget that erosion or root structure growth may shift the locations of your utility lines, so remember to call again each time you are planning a digging job. Safe digging is no accident!

Key Words

OQ Qualification

O Q

Operation Qualification

Copyright © 2017 Need OQ? - All Rights Reserved.

Emma Martinez

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