Veriforce Provides Operator Compliance and Qualification Verification for New MAOP Rule

April 21, 2010 - PRLog -- HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 21, 2010) - Veriforce, the leader in providing regulatory compliance and qualification verification for Pipeline Operators, is helping Operators by tracking and verifying compliance information to meet the higher alternative MAOP Rule set forth by the PHMSA. The rule allows certain gas transmission pipelines to operate at higher pressures and pipeline stress levels than regulations previously allowed which lets Operators achieve greater efficiencies and gas product throughput.

"Veriforce is helping Operators implement the MAOP rule for construction tasks by including these tasks in our system so that Operators can have the ability to track compliance and verify the qualification." explained Louie Werderich, president of Veriforce. "Operator compliance with the final alternative MAOP rule, regardless of when the task was performed, can be easily tracked using our system, saving the Operators time, effort and money.”

An Operator must develop an Operator Qualification (OQ) Program for construction tasks that can affect pipeline integrity. The program must comply with 49 CFR 192.801 and be followed throughout the construction process for the qualification of individuals performing tasks on an alternative MAOP special permit pipeline. Operators seeking to take advantage of the MAOP rule by operating at the higher allowable operating stress levels must treat construction tasks as if they were covered by subpart N Qualification of Pipeline Personnel construction activities. Construction activities are OQ covered tasks regardless of whether or not they meet the four-part test in 49 CFR 192.801(b).  

Veriforce’s OQ system now includes the additional construction, operating and maintenance requirements that supplement the previous requirements in Part 192. Veriforce can help Operators identify and establish requirements for covered tasks that impact personnel working on higher operating pressure pipelines, qualify individuals to perform those tasks and manage the qualifications of those individuals.

Improvements in pipeline technology and risk controls over the past 25 years have allowed new regulations for higher pressure and pipeline stress levels, provided that certain conditions are met that ensure an adequate margin of safety. Operators seeking guidance on the Operator Qualification compliance requirements to operate at a higher alternative MAOP should contact Veriforce at 1-800-426-1604 to learn how Veriforce helps Operators to meet the necessary requirements.

ABOUT VERIFORCE
Veriforce is the nation’s leader in regulatory compliance and qualification verification for Operator Qualification (OQ), Drug & Alcohol and safety monitoring. They are the only OQ service provider that verifies, audits, and has complete documentation for all the necessary compliance records. For more information, contact the company at 1-800-426-1604.

Media contact: Chris Brown
Cbrown@resources-results.com
330-656-9793