Who Uses AYUDA’s Operator Qualification (OQ) Services?
We traditionally receive four different types of calls for operator qualification.
Operators: For those operators who do not have in-house training and operator qualification programs (OQ) they choose AYUDA because we can conduct NCCER, Energyworldnet, MEA, Veriforce and OQSG in the same visit and we specialize in traveling to the locations they need us to conduct OQ for their employees. We are also flexible enough to assist in delivering their in-house programs as required by their OQ plans.
Traditional Pipeline Services, Maintenance and Construction Providers: Many pipeline services, maintenance and contractors are subject to having their employees undergo operator qualification if they are working on a DOT covered line. If they are used to the OQ tango, they generally call with a list of covered tasks they have either previously been OQ’ed in, OR they have been provided a list of job-specific covered tasks, along with the acceptable method (knowledge-based assessment, training and/or hands-on evaluation) and providers that they will accept. (NCCER, Energyworldnet, MEA, Veriforce and OQSG).
Newcomers to the Pipeline Services, Maintenance and Construction Provider Arena: In this economy many companies are looking to enter markets that they previously had not considered. The wonderful world of Operator Qualification (OQ) can be a shocking baptism by fire to these newcomers. This is true because more often than not they have already bid a job and been awarded a contract -and then- they call to “see about” OQ and are often shocked at the complexity and costs involved with the entire OQ process, none of which they considered in their bid.
Inspectors: Since AYUDA provides mobile, on-site OQ we are often not able to meet the OQ needs of inspectors because they do not have access to a site with all the tools, materials and equipment needed to conduct the hands-on evaluations that they need.
I Am An Operator. What Info Do I Need To Have Available When Calling To Schedule Operator Qualification (OQ)?
If you are an operator you likely know what covered tasks your employees require as well as what methods (knowledge-based exams, training and/or hands-on evaluation) and tools (NCCER, Energyworldnet, MEA, Veriforce or OQSG) you need as these have to be outlined in your Operator OQ Plan. In addition to this information we will need to know the number of employees to be OQ’ed, proposed dates for training and the location (remember the location must have the necessary tools, materials, equipment and space required).
If you are a new operator, just now developing your OQ Plan, and you need assistance with these issues just let us know. Our subject matter experts are well qualified to assist you in this arena.
I am a newcomer or traditional Pipeline Services, Maintenance and/or Construction Provider. What information do I need to have available when scheduling OQ for my employees?
Seven out of ten phone calls start out the same.
John: Hi, my name is John with ABC Pipeline Construction and I need to get my guys OQ’ed.
Melinda: Hi John, you have called the right place. What covered tasks do you need OQ for?
John: I don’t know. We just got a job with XYZ Operator and they say we need it?
Let’s talk about what info is required to facilitate the process of setting up OQ for your employees.
What Operator Qualification (OQ) Info Do We Need To Secure From The Operator?
Whether you are a newcomer or traditional Pipeline Services, Maintenance and/or Construction Provider and you are seeking to have your employees OQ’ed, you need to glean the following information from the operator for which you will be working prior to calling to set-up your OQ session with AYUDA:
1. The specific covered task (CT’s) numbers and descriptions required by that specific operator. I often hear from contractors “They told me to look on ISNetworld of Veriforce”. This doesn’t really help you with this issue as the covered task lists provided for each operator in ISNetworld and Veriforce lists every covered task in their OQ plan and they do not ALL apply to you. You only need the have your employee’s OQ’ed on the covered tasks that apply to them and the operator, not you, makes that decision. You can help them but the final CT list must be blessed by them.
For instance, I have a new client who wanted to be “ready for anything,” so he went through the API-covered task list and identified over 55 tasks that his guys “might” do. That is effectively 90+ hours of OQ, and this is with just one method (hands-on evaluations) and OQ tool (NCCER). What if he ends up with a contract with an operator who does not accept NCCER or requires OQ in addition to what the contractor has already spent many man hours and OQ expenses on? So, stepping back, I was able to convince the client that developing his internal OQ program by gathering specific CT requirements from the operators he will be working was a more prudent approach.
2. Identify the method (knowledge-based exams, training and/or hands-on evaluation) and accepted tool (NCCER, Energyworldnet, MEA, Veriforce or OQSG) that the operator will accept for the CT list they provided. If you can get the CT list and your operator participates in either ISNetworld or Veriforce, AYUDA can actually assist in making these determinations for you. If they do not, then the operator must provide you with this information.
What Additional Information Do I Need To Have Available When I call To Set-Up OQ for My Employees?
You will need to have the following information available:
1. Company Name and Address
2. Company Contact Name, Phone and E-Mail Address
3. The number of employees to be OQ’ed
4. Proposed dates for training
5. The location*
*Reminder: The location must have the necessary tools, materials, equipment and space required
Why Choose AYUDA’s Operator Qualification Services?
AYUDA utilizes pipeline industry professionals who have the expertise demanded for Operator Qualification needs. Our instructors/trainers use the tools provided by NCCER training and assessment, Energyworldnet, OQSG, Veriforce and MEA to conduct knowledge assessment and performance verifications for operator identified covered tasks.
AYUDA’s staff strictly adheres to ALL provider guidelines, especially those that require hands-on performance evaluations. This ensures your certifications will always remain in good standing with providers & ISNetworld.
Some training/certification organizations take shortcuts in this regard leaving you open to prompt OQ disqualification when an offending provider sponsor is audited. Don’t take the chance of wasting valuable resources with these organizations.
We would be honored to serve you. Please call us contact us by phone (405) 293-3099 or by e-mail.
