Pipeline Safety: Operator Qualifications; Statutory Changes

Summary: The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) Office of Pipeline Safety's (OPS) regulations require operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines to conduct programs to qualify individuals who perform certain safety-related tasks on pipelines. Congress addressed these programs through an amendment to the Federal pipeline safety law (49 U.S.C. Chap. 601). In accordance with the mandates in that amendment, this Direct Final Rule codifies the new program requirements concerning personnel training, notice of program changes, government review and verification of programs, and use of on-the-job performance as a qualification method.