UST Operator Training FAQs
Find answers to Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) for UST operator training courses. Troubleshoot issues, recover passwords, re-print certificate and more. We look forward to helping you.
- Course Related
- Technical
Why must I get UST owner or operator training?
UST training is required by federal law, and is intended to ensure that those who own and operate underground tanks understand how to operate and maintain UST systems properly.
As required by the EPA, all UST operators must be trained by October 13, 2018.
After this date, new Class A and B operators must be trained within 30 days of assuming duties. Class C operators must be trained before assuming duties.
Does the training meet Federal and State UST requirments?
Yes. All courses cover the training requirements detailed in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the EPA’s UST regulations (40 CFR §280). We have our state-specific training according to that state’s UST regulations.
Is there a separate course and test for Class A or Class B Operators?
No. By combining Class A and Class B operator training and utilizing a single test, valuable employee cross-training is achieved. You must achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass.
Is there a time restriction on taking the A/B Operator course?
There is not any time restriction to access the course, so students can complete the entire course in a single session (approximately 4 hours plus exam time) or take the course in segments.
How do I know if I need UST Class A/B Operator Training?
The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires that if you are a Class A or Class B operator at one or more UST facilities, you must be trained and certified as such. How do you know if you are a Class A or Class B operator? Read the descriptions below.
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Class A Operator: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 §1524 defines Class A operators as “persons having primary responsibility for on-site operation and maintenance of underground storage tank systems.” The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Grant Guidelines for Implementing the Operator Training Provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 further states that “The Class A operator’s responsibilities include managing resources and personnel, such as establishing work assignments, to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.”
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Class B Operator: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 §1524 defines Class B operators as “persons having daily on-site responsibility for the operation and maintenance of underground storage tank systems.” The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Grant Guidelines for Implementing the Operator Training Provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 further states that a “Class B operator implements applicable underground storage tank regulatory requirements . . . in the field. This individual implements day-to-day aspects of operating, maintaining, and recordkeeping for underground storage tanks at one or more facilities. For example, this individual typically monitors, maintains, and ensures:
- Release detection method, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements are met.
- Release prevention equipment, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements are met.
- All relevant equipment complies with performance standards.
- Appropriate individuals are trained to properly respond to emergencies caused by releases or spills from underground storage tank systems at the facility.”
How do I know if I need UST Class C Operator Training?
The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires that each UST facility have at least one designated and trained Class C operator. How do you know if you are a Class C operator? Read the description below to learn more.
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Class C Operator: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 §1524 defines Class C operators as “daily, on-site employees having primary responsibility for addressing emergencies presented by a spill or release from an underground storage tank system.” The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Grant Guidelines for Implementing the Operator Training Provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 further states that a “Class C operator is an employee and is, generally, the first line of response to events indicating emergency conditions. This individual is responsible for responding to alarms or other indications of emergencies caused by spills or releases from underground storage tank systems. This individual notifies the Class B or Class A operator and appropriate emergency responders when necessary. Not all employees of the facility are necessarily Class C operators. This individual typically:
- Controls or monitors the dispensing or sale of regulated substances, or
- Is responsible for initial response to alarms or releases.”
Will I get a printable certificate upon completion?
Yes, a temporary printable certificate is immediately available upon completion of all courses provided.
Please login to your account using the username and password that you originally used to take the course. If you forgot your username and password, please call 1-877-881-2235 to have one of our service representatives look it up for you. Then choose “resume course in progress” and it will forward you to the end of the course. You will have an option to print your certificate here.
Why is online training better than on-site training?
Two words: convenience and self-paced. Many workers are so busy or live in areas where classroom sessions are not practical. Online offers much greater convenience. The self-paced nature of online allows each student to spend more time on the topics they are not familiar with and move more quickly through those that they are. In a classroom, everyone marches through the same topics for the same amount of time. And yes - the online course is equivalent to an on-site classroom course.
