What is the Operator Training requirement?
Every facility must have someone trained to be a Class A/B operator and a Class C operator.
Is the training mandatory?
Yes. If a facility does not have a trained Class A/B operator, the facility will be in violation.
Which facilities fall under this requirement?
All facilities with tank systems currently in the ground fall under this requirement; including emergency generator sites and sites that are not being used.
What if I have not used my tanks in 10 years?
Operator Training applies to all facilities with tanks still in the ground, no matter when they were last used.
Can one person be both the Class A/B and Class C operator?
Yes.
Can a facility have multiple Class A/B operators?
Yes.
What are the options for training?
- Complete the Division's Operator Training Online Course;
- Complete a SCDHEC approved course conducted by a third-party provider;
- SCDHEC may provide in-person classroom training, if the need arises and resources are available.
What is the difference between a Class A/B operator and a Class C operator?
Class A/B operators are responsible for the daily operations and maintenance and monthly monitoring of the underground storage tank system.
Class C operators are responsible for emergency response in the event of a release or emergency on site. This is most likely going to be a retail sales person. Class C operators are to be trained by a certified A/B operator.
Do the trained operators have to be on site at all times?
Class A/B operators do not have to be on site at all times. The requirement for them is to visit the facility once a quarter to make sure that all monitoring and maintenance is being done properly.
One Class C operator must be onsite at all times while the facility is operating. Class C operators are the people who work at the facility.
What if the facility does not have a presence at the facility at any point?
Class A/B and Class C operators must still be trained for the facility. A placard or sign must installed at the fueling point with an 24-hour emergency contact who would know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Who can be an operator?
Anyone can be an operator as long as they are properly trained. A tank owner can do it themselves or they can hire someone to do it for them.
Is there a maximum number of facilities that a trained Class A/B operator can be responsible for?
No. As long as the operator can visit each facility within the quarter, there is no maximum limit.
If a company already provides training for their employees, will they still have to do Operator Training?
Once the Division has approved the method of training, it can be used as a form of Operator Training.
If a new Class A/B operator is hired, how long do they have to get trained?
A new Class A/B Operator has 30 days after starting the position to get their training.
If a new Class C operator is hired, how long do they have to get trained?
A new Class C operator must be trained before they take primary responsibility for the facility.
Is retraining required?
Retraining is not required as long as the facility (facilities) for which an operator is responsible stay in compliance. If a facility is found to be out of compliance, retraining for the Class A/B operator is required.
There is no retraining requirement for Class C operators.
How will retraining be accomplished?
For small violations, retraining will occur at the time of the compliance inspection. For severe or multiple violations or if the Class A/B operator is not available at the time of the inspection, retraining will occur depending on the situation.
What information must be sent in as proof of training?
A training certificate with the name, date, and method of training along with a list of facilities that the Class A/B operator is responsible for must be sent in to provide proof of training.
Alison Post
Division of UST Management
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Fax (803) 898-0673
What records have to be kept to document training?
Class A/B training records should be sent to Columbia and a copy should be kept at the facility. Class C training records should be updated by the tank owner and should be kept on file at the facility .
Who do I contact if I still have questions?
Alison Post (803) 898-0587