UST Owner and/or Operator Training
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What is operator training and who is required to take it?
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 placed requirements on federal and state governments for underground storage tanks (UST). One of these requirements is that each state must develop an operator training program for all UST owners and/or operators.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has created regulations that outline the requirements for operators of UST systems (18 AAC 78 Article 3).
UST operators are divided into three operator classes A, B, & C. Based on their duties at an UST facility, personnel will be designated as one or more of the three operator classes. Any individual designated for more than one operator class must successfully complete the required training program or comparable examination according to the operator class in which the individual is designated. Each operator class is described below.
- CLASS A
- Class A operators include owners or employees who have primary responsibility to operate and maintain UST systems. Their focus is on the broader aspects of the underground storage tank requirements. Class A operators assign and ensure training for Class B and C operators.
- CLASS B
- Class B operators are responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and record keeping for UST systems. Class B operators have an in-depth understanding of all operations and maintenance of the UST systems.
- CLASS C
- Class C operators are on site daily and are generally the initial responders to alarms and emergencies due to a spill or release from an underground storage tank system. Class C operators are typically employees who are responsible for the dispensing or sale of product.
What does this mean for you?
Class A and Class B operators must successfully complete operator training not later than 30 days after being assigned to the position. Class C operators must successfully complete training before the individual is assigned to the position. A record of each operator’s certificate must be kept onsite. Additionally, a copy of each Class A and/or B operator’s training certificate, along with a current Class A/B facility operator designation form, must be submitted to department’s UST staff ensure the facility’s records are properly updated. If your UST system is found to be out of compliance, the Class A and/or Class B operator may be required to complete all or a portion of the training again.
Class A and B operators must be trained and certified through a department-approved training program listed near the bottom of this webpage. Class C operators may obtain their certification through a department-approved program or by on-site training provided and documented by the UST facility’s certified Class A and/or B operator(s). All Class C operators are required to receive and document annual refresher training in addition to the initial training.
Can one person have more than one certification?
Yes, an individual may be certified as both a Class A and B operator. Certified Class A or B operators are qualified to train Class C operators and, if they are the only person manning the site, act as Class C operators. If a person is designated to more than one class for a facility, training in all classes assigned must be completed separately. For example, if person is designated as the A, B and C operator for a facility, they must complete both a department approved class A/B training course as well as a department approved class C training course. No person may train and certify himself or herself for any class of operator training.
Where can I find a department-approved training course?
The department is in the process of reviewing and approving several commercial operator training vendors. Each company may provide a different format and fee for each class. As companies are approved by the department to provide UST operator training in the State of Alaska, the department will update the approved UST operator training vendor list located in the table below.
| Vendor Name | Classes of Training | How Training is Delivered | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Petroleum Institute | A/B2 & C | Online | apilearning.org |
| Antea Group | A/B2 & C | Online | USTOperator.AnteaGroup.com |
| Tait Environmental | A/B2 & C | Classroom & Online | PstInstruction.com |
| Practical American Safety Solutions (PASS) | A/B2 & C | Online | PassTesting.com |
| UST Training | A/B2 & C | Classroom & Online | UstTraining.com |
| Williams & Co. | A/B2 & C1 | Online | PetroClassroom.com |
| AK Dept of Environmental Conservation | C | Recommended In-House Training Certification Checklist | ADEC Checklist (PDF) |
- 1 Recommended for State of Alaska UST operators with marine applications.
- 2 State of Alaska UST operators are also certified as Class C operators upon completion of the A/B training course.
Contact UST Staff
For more information concerning operator training requirements and procedures, please contact one of the following department UST staff members:
- Anchorage UST Technicians
- Susan Young, 907-269-3052
- Cheryl Paige, 907-269-7679
- 555 Cordova Street
- Anchorage, AK 99501
- Fax: 907-269-7687
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