OQ Overview: Tasks and Evaluations

OQ TASKS:  A common inquiry received by ENERGY worldnet deals with the use and purpose of tasks versus evaluations. These items are interrelated and the terms are often used interchangeably in the industry; however, they are distinctly different elements of the OQ Rule.

From a practical level, tasks are the operator and/or regulatory definitions and structures used to identify and organize each issue that must be addressed by the operator in order to comply with Chapter 49 CFR 192 and 195 of the DOT’s OQ Rule. 

Evaluations are the individual assessments tools utilized to ensure that each worker has successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skill and abilities necessary to perform a Covered Task on jurisdictional pipelines and facilities.  Acceptable methods of evaluation include written tests, oral exams and performance (observation) evaluations.  Training itself is not an evaluation method, but it is an important and necessary part of the OQ process.

What is the definition of a Covered Task?
Under the DOT OQ Rules, covered tasks are those that meet the following four criteria:
    1. It is performed on a pipeline facility
    2. It is an operations or maintenance task
    3. It is required by DOT Regulations 49 CFR Part 192 (gas)
        or Part 195 (liquids); and
    4. Affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline

Although not currently part of the mandatory OQ Rule, the industry is moving toward the adoption of OQ for new construction activities and any activity that affects the safety and integrity of the pipeline.  In addition, gathering lines and other facilities are being incorporated into the official OQ Rules and also into many operators’ OQ Plans on a voluntary basis.  These and other tasks which may affect the safety and integrity of the pipeline are often considered Non-Covered Tasks, but they may still be an official requirement of the pipeline owner/operator written Operator Qualification Plan.

Accordingly, each operator or contractor employee who performs a task may be required to successfully complete multiple evaluations related to that specific task in order to demonstrate that they are “Qualified” and have the knowledge, skills, abilities necessary to perform the required activity.

Under the DOT regulations, the term “Qualified” means that an individual has been evaluated (tested) and can properly perform assigned covered tasks (regulated activities) and can recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions (AOCs).