Indiana UST Class C Operator Training

Indiana Class C Operators are the first responders to emergency situations at a UST facility – like a gas station or convenience store. These individuals are usually the clerks of a facility.

Class C Operators monitor fuel deliveries to the tanks; control and/or monitor the dispensing or sale of regulated substances; and respond to alarms, releases, and other emergency situations.

Course Description

The UST Class C operator training course consists of seven chapters. Each chapter is followed by a short quiz. Once a student has completed all chapters and quizzes, the learner will be directed to print out a course checklist.

The course is instructed through a student orientation tour of a mock facility, where a manager (or Class B Operator) will identify and explain each topic and then mark them off a checklist when completed. When the checklist has been completed, the student can then print the UST Class C operator certificate.

There is not any time restriction to access the course, so students may take as much time as needed to complete their training.

Duration: 1 hour

Purpose & Objective

The purpose of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Training Program is to protect human health and the environment by preventing future petroleum underground storage tank releases and remediating existing petroleum underground storage tank contamination.

Class C operators must be trained how to respond to emergencies (such as situations posing an immediate danger or threat to the public or to the environment and that require immediate action) and alarms caused by spills or releases from an underground storage tank system.

Course Outline

• Chapter 1: Facility Overview
  This chapter provides a basic overview of the primary components of a typical UST facility. These components include the USTs, manways, spill buckets, fuel dispensers, and dispenser nozzles.
• Chapter 2: Monitoring
  This chapter emphasizes the components used to monitor a UST facility. Students will learn what an Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) is and does, how to interpret its alarms and warnings, and what to do in case of an alarm. The role of line leak detectors is also discussed.
• Chapter 3: Environmental
  In this chapter, students learn about sensitive receptors, or places where a fuel spill may leave the facility and enter the environment. The chapter also introduces students to the spill kit and its contents, and how to use spill kit components to contain spills threatening sensitive receptors like curb breaks and drains.
• Chapter 4: Fueling Rules
  The focus of this chapter is fuel delivery safety. Students will watch a short video on proper fueling procedures. Students also learn about hazards at the fueling point, including smoking, static electricity, leaving a vehicle unattended while fueling, and leaving a vehicle running while fueling.
• Chapter 5: Delivery Procedures
  This chapter teaches the student how to supervise a fuel delivery and monitor for problems during a fuel delivery. Additional emphasis is placed on the ATG and on overfill prevention devices like overfill prevention valves and ball float valves. Delivery prohibitions are also addressed.
• Chapter 6: Safety
  This chapter covers safety information every Class C Operator needs to respond to emergencies. Included here is a video explaining when and how to use a fire extinguisher. The Emergency Stop and All Stop buttons are identified and discussed.
• Chapter 7: Emergency Situations
  This chapter discusses common emergency situations and proper responses to them, including what to do if a vehicle leaves the facility with the nozzle still in the vehicle’s fuel spout. Managing customer traffic in the event of a spill is also covered. Correct fire extinguisher operation is reviewed.
• Chapter 8: Final Checklist
  Review and complete the checklist to complete your training

End of Course Instructions

Print a copy of your completion certificate for your employer and records. You may also login and reprint your certificate at any time.

Indiana UST State Agency & Regulations

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) – Office of Land Quality – Underground Storage Tank Section is designated to protect public health and the environment through oversight, investigation and cleanup of soil and groundwater contamination caused by releases from USTs. The IDEM mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial and government activities vital to a prosperous economy.

Agency Link

• http://www.in.gov/idem/landquality/2336.htm

UST Training in Indiana
As of August 8, 2012, all of Indiana’s UST facilities, most of which are gas stations, must have designated individuals as Class A, Class B, and Class C operators for various responsibilities of UST system operations. Class A, Class B, and Class C operators must be certified in various aspects of UST system maintenance and operations.

• Class A status is for individuals, such as owners, who hire or contract the personnel who are responsible for day to day maintenance and record keeping.
• Class B status is for individuals, such as consultants or full-time employees, who the facility owner has designated for the operation of all aspects of the system’s operation and maintenance.
• Class C status is for facility employees, like cashiers, who assist Class A and Class B operators in monitoring for problems and responding to emergencies. Class C operators may be trained by the Class A or B for the facility or their designee.

All UST Owners and Operators must complete and submit the Notification Form (State Form 45223, also available on the IDEM Forms page) to the IDEM. All documents must include an original signature in ink by owner/operator or authorized representative. If an owner/operator authorizes a representative to sign forms, then a document must be submitted to authorize that representative. This document must include the following:

• Owner name signed in ink; UST system facility name and address; Representative name and address; and
• Documents the representative is authorized to sign. A copy of the authorization must accompany each document submitted. The contractor must also sign and provide the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certification number on the Notification for Underground Storage Tanks form (State Form 45223), for tank installations, upgrades, testing, and permanent closures.

Indiana was granted state program approval (SPA) in 2006.

Retraining Requirements
Class A/B and C Operators are required to recertify every three (3) years or if UST system is found to be out of compliance or in significant violation of UST regulations. Voluntary refresher training is encouraged to ensure operator is up-to-date with current regulations and procedures.

References:

• Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) – Title 329 Solid Waste Management Division – Article 9 Underground Storage Tanks (329 IAC 9-9-6 Training Requirements) p.109
• UST Operator Training Quick Start Guide [PDF]
• UST Operator Frequently Asked Questions [DOC]
• Indiana Administrative Code: Title 329 IAC 9 [PDF]
• Indiana Code: IC 13-23 (IC 13-11) Underground Storage Tanks

UST Program
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Office of Land Quality
Underground Storage Tank Section
100 N. Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Phone: (317) 234-6923
Fax: (317) 234-0428

UST Program: http://www.in.gov/idem/landquality/2336.htm

LUST Program
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Office of Land Quality
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Section
100 N. Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Phone: (317) 232-8900
Fax: (317) 234-0428

LUST Program: http://www.in.gov/idem/4997.htm

Fund Program
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Office of Land Quality
Excess Liability Trust Fund
100 N. Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Phone: (317) 232-0090
Fax: (317) 233-0428

Fund Program: http://www.in.gov/idem/5063.htm