On August 20, 2001, the DOT made some minor corrections to the final regulations on qualification of pipeline personnel, which were published in the Federal Register on August 27, 1999 (64 FR 46853) (see RCP's September, 1999 DOT newsletter)HERE. These corrections are minor and do not affect the substance or content of the rule. The changes apply to both the Gas and Liquid regulations, and are effective immediately.

The revisions add the title, "Qualification of Pipeline Personnel", to subpart N of 49 CFR 192 and to subpart G of 49 CFR 195. In addition, the final regulations contained incorrect numbering for the evaluation methods in §192.803(b) and §195.503(b). The correct numbering is:

Evaluation means a process, established and documented by the operator, to determine an individual's ability to perform a covered task by any of the following:

(a) Written examination; (b) Oral examination; (c) Work performance history review; (d) Observation during: (1) Performance on the job, (2) On the job training, or (3) Simulations; (e) Other forms of assessment.

NOTE: the original rule numbered all these items sequentially (a) through (h), with no subparts (1), (2), and (3) under (d).

Lastly, the cutoff date for the use of experience under the Work Performance History Review option was extended by 2 months, and now reads:

Work performance history review may be used as a sole evaluation method for individuals who were performing a covered task prior to October 26, 1999.

Note: the original rule cutoff date was August 27, 1999.

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