The ASME B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification Standard (part of the ASME B31 suite of pipeline standards) establishes the requirements for developing and implementing an effective Pipeline Personnel Qualification Program. The technical standards committee met in February to continue work on updates for the 2018 edition. Additionally, the committee discussed a variety of other operator qualification topics including security of operator testing and natural gas storage operator qualification (for the 2020 edition).
The committee is also starting to consider the potential impacts of any future rulemakings related to the PHMSA NPRM – Accident Notification-OQ June 2015 [Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0163]. (See related article in the DOT Pipeline Compliance News July 2015 edition .) The technical committee meets again in April to continue work on the 2018 edition updates.