Operator training requirements for USTs

• Designate Class A, B, and C operators and train them on their UST responsibilities.
• Each UST system or group of UST systems at a facility must have a Class A, B, and C operator designated.

Designate Class A, B, and C operators and train them on their underground storage tank (UST) responsibilities. After that date, Class A and B operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming their duties. Class C operators must be trained before assuming their duties.

UST operator training means any program that meets the requirements of these guidelines. Such a program is designed to ensure knowledge regarding operating and maintaining underground storage tank systems.

Who is subject to operator training requirements?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added Subpart J to 40 CFR Part 280 to address the training requirements for underground storage tank (UST) operators. For purposes of implementing the operator training requirements, EPA established three classes of operators identified as Class A, B, and C. Each underground storage tank system or group of UST systems at a facility must have a Class A, B, and C operator designated. All individuals designated as a Class A, B, or C operator must, at a minimum, be trained according to their level of responsibility.

Separate individuals may be designated for each class of operator described above or an individual may be designated to more than one of the above operator classes. An individual who is designated to more than one operator class must be trained in each operator class for which the individual is designated.

States must establish a procedure to identify individuals who are required to meet the operator training requirements. For example, a state may require that UST system owners or operators identify, for each UST system or group of UST systems at a facility, at least one name for each class of operator.

There may be occasions when a Class A, B, or C operator will not be present at the facility. For example, operators are frequently not present at unmanned facilities, such as emergency generators at telecommunication towers and card lock/card access facilities. However, these operators are still responsible for operation and maintenance activities or responding to emergencies and must be trained.