A/B Operator Services
Hugh’s Mechanical Equipment is a company that takes personal pride ensuring that every customer receives the highest level of superior customer service.
Hugh’s Mechanical Equipment offers full Class A and B Operator Services for those who want an outside specialist to manage their facilities USTs. Our UST Operator Services include preparation of required Documentation and Regulatory Records, Monthly Inspection Checklists, Operator Response Guidelines and Training of Class C Operators. We will perform monthly site inspections and review the facilities UST Operator Records, neatly organized in a binder by our Certified A/B Specialists.
Operator training is required by the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the amendments to the UST Regulations, May 31, 2012. All UST owners/operators must designate at least one certified Class A, B, and C Operator for each underground storage facility by August 8, 2012. A UST owner may choose to use a subcontractor to act as their Class A and B operator who would then provide the Class C operators with the appropriate training. Hugh’s Mechanical Equipment is certified in your state to act as your Class A and B Operator. This new (Energy Act) ensures that all operators of underground storage tanks demonstrate competency on how to comply with UST compliance rules so that environmental releases can be prevented.
The new regulations split UST operators into three categories depending upon their job responsibilities -- Class A, B and C.Operators. The categories and job responsibilities are outlined as follows and Hugh’s Mechanical Equipment is pleased to offer:
Class A operator
In general, the Class A operator has the primary responsibility to operate and maintain the UST system. Their focus is on the broader aspects of regulatory requirements and standards. The Class A operator would ensure that the appropriate individuals are assigned and trained to properly operate and maintain the UST system, maintain appropriate records, and properly respond to emergencies such as spills or releases.
The Class A operator should have general knowledge, so that they can make informed decisions regarding compliance and ensure the operation and maintenance tasks are being properly completed. Test topic areas include:
- Spill prevention
- Overfill prevention
- Release detection
- Emergency response
- Release reporting
- Secondary containment
- Notification requirements
Class B operator
The Class B Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operations and for implementing the applicable requirements and standards at the facility. The Class B Operator is required to be onsite at least monthly, except unmanned facilities, to verify that all appropriate operational and maintenance tasks have been completed. A Class B operator has an in-depth understanding of all operation and maintenance aspects of the tank system, including:
- Knowing tank system components and the materials they are constructed of.
- Knowledge of how to implement release detection methods.
- Knowledge of operation and maintenance requirements, including:
- Spill prevention
- Overfill prevention
- Release detection
- Corrosion protection
- Emergency response
- Product compatibility
Class C operator
The Class C operator(s) is on-site daily and is responsible as the initial responder to handle emergencies, alarms pertaining to a spill or release and perform daily walk through inspections. This operator is typically an employee who controls or monitors the dispensing or sale of product. This operator is required to be trained by the Class A or Class B operator.
A facility can designate as many Class C operators as they feel necessary to be in compliance with the requirements. At a minimum, one Class C operator (or an A or B operator) must be on-site while the tank system is operating, except at unmanned facility.
The Class C operator is not required to pass an exam, however he/she must be trained in the appropriate emergency response procedures by a certified A or B Operator.
What if I don’t sell fuel to the public? Does this make a difference?
No. All facilities having at least 1 active regulated UST must have at least one Class A, Class B, and Class C operator designated for that facility.
Why is Operator Training being required?
Federal law mandated this new requirement. The US Energy Policy Act (Energy Act) signed by President George W. Bush on August 8, 2005 requires all States that receive federal grant money for their UST programs to ensure that all operators of UST systems demonstrate competency on how to comply with UST rules so environmental releases can be prevented.
When must Operators be trained?
If you are a current UST operator, training must be completed before August 8, 2012. After August 8, 2012, Class A and Class B Operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming operation and maintenance responsibilities for the UST system. Class C Operators must be trained before assuming responsibility for responding to emergencies.
Do the Class A and/or B operator have to be on site all the time?
No. The Class A and/or B do not have to be on site at all times; however, there must be a Class C operator on site during all hours of operation unless the facility has been designated as an unmanned facility. However, in the case of an unmanned facility , a Class C Operator must be available at all times to respond immediately to calls from the facility and must be capable of reaching the facility within 60 minutes.
