Sec. 26.10.16.04. Operator Classes

A. A person may be designated, trained, and certified to serve in more than one operator class.

B. A Class A operator shall have the knowledge, skills, and training to execute duties that shall include:

(1) Primary responsibility for operating and maintaining one or more UST systems at a regulated substance storage facility;

(2) Routine management of resources and personnel, which may include establishing work assignments;

(3) Ensuring that, in accordance with COMAR 26.10.02-.11:

(a) An UST system is repaired by a qualified person;

(b) An upgraded, new, or replacement UST system is installed by a certified technician;

(c) A qualified person is implementing the operation, maintenance, testing, and record-keeping requirements for an UST system that shall include:

(i) Spill and overfill prevention;

(ii) Release detection, reporting, and emergency response;

(iii) Corrosion protection;

(iv) Product and equipment compatibility;

(v) Financial responsibility;

(vi) UST notification and registration;

(vii) UST temporary and permanent closure; and

(viii) Operator training and certification; and

(d) Records required to demonstrate compliance are maintained and made available upon request by the Department or its certified inspectors;

(4) Maintaining knowledge of the skills and training requirements for a Class B and a Class C operator;

(5) Successfully completing operator training required by this chapter and approved by the Department; and

(6) Being available to respond to a suspected or confirmed release, unusual operating conditions, emergencies, and equipment failures at a regulated substance storage facility by meeting the following requirements:

(a) Be immediately accessible for consultation by telephone when the facility is operating; and

(b) Be on-site within 24 hours of a request to respond to the facility by emergency response personnel or the Department or within a time approved by the Department.

C. A Class B operator shall have the knowledge, skills, and training to execute duties that shall include:

(1) Primary responsibility for implementation of COMAR 26.10.02-.11 through the daily operation, maintenance, testing, and record keeping of an UST;

(2) Ensuring that, in accordance with COMAR 26.10.02-.11:

(a) UST release detection methods and release prevention equipment are operational and testing is performed;

(b) Release detection reporting requirements are met;

(c) Spill prevention, overfill prevention, and corrosion protection equipment are inspected for proper operation;

(d) UST system equipment tests are performed;

(e) UST equipment manufacturer and third-party performance standards, manuals, and instructions are available and followed;

(f) Records required to demonstrate compliance are maintained and made available upon request by the Department or its certified inspectors; and

(g) A Class C operator is trained to respond properly to a suspected or confirmed release, unusual operating conditions, emergencies, and equipment failures in accordance with the requirements in §D of this regulation;

(3) Maintaining knowledge of the skills and training requirements for a Class C operator;

(4) Successfully completing operator training required by this chapter and approved by the Department; and

(5) Being available to respond to a suspected or confirmed release, unusual operating conditions, emergencies, and equipment failures at a regulated substance storage facility by meeting the following requirements:

(a) Be immediately accessible for consultation by telephone when the facility is operating; and

(b) Be on-site within 24 hours of a request to respond to the facility by emergency response personnel or the Department or within a time approved by the Department.

D. A Class C operator shall have the knowledge, skills, and training to execute duties that shall include:

(1) Controlling and monitoring the dispensing or sale of a regulated substance;

(2) Immediately responding to alarms, equipment failures, or other indications of emergencies caused by a release or spill from an UST system;

(3) Notifying a Class A or a Class B operator, appropriate emergency response personnel, and the Department in accordance with the written instructions provided by the owner as set forth in Regulation .03B(3) of this chapter;

(4) Successfully completing operator training required by this chapter and approved by the Department; and

(5) Being available to respond to a suspected or confirmed release, unusual operating conditions, emergencies, and equipment failures at a regulated substance storage facility by meeting the following requirements:

(a) For an attended facility, be on-site and readily available whenever the facility is operating; or

(b) For an unattended facility:

(i) Be immediately accessible for consultation by telephone with emergency response personnel or the Department; and

(ii) Be on-site within 2 hours of a request to respond to the facility by emergency response personnel or the Department or within a time approved by the Department.

E. A Class C operator certification shall be facility-specific and is not valid at another regulated substance storage facility.