4 Things Every Class C Operator Should Know

Class C UST Operators are often the first line of response in emergency situations. For staffed facilities, there must always be at least one trained operator on site whenever the facility is operating. A Class C Operator is typically responsible for monitoring the dispensing or sale of petroleum, initial response to alarms, spills, or releases, notification of appropriate personnel, and response to public safety issues. Below is a list of general procedures each Class C Operator should have knowledge of after completing their training.

1. System Familiarity

All Class C Operators should have basic understanding of the UST system at their site. Operators should be familiar with the interior tank components including rectifiers, tanks gauges and leak detection, and secondary containment or interstice monitors. In addition, they should be able to recognize dispenser components, know if their site has pressurized or suction delivery, and have an understanding of the different manholes in the tank field. Having general knowledge of the system components will be crucial to emergency response.

2. Emergency Response

Operators need to be trained and have the necessary resources for a multitude of emergency situations. From customer slips and falls to fires and spills, they need to know what steps to take and who to contact for every eventuality. UST facilities are required to have posted emergency response procedures.

3. Spill Response

In general, most sites have similar emergency response procedures for small spills. The first step is always to stop the spill. In case of an emergency, Class C Operators must have easy access to the emergency shut off switch to cut power to all the pumps and dispensers. After the spill has been stopped, it should be contained and recovered. Common materials used to collect spilled petroleum include kitty litter, sand, sawdust, wood chips, sorbent pads, or even dirt. One the sorbent material has been safely collected and disposed of properly, the C Operator should contact the designated responders for their site.

4. Alarm Response

A UST system alarm should never be ignored. Operators should know when the system is in alarm and be able to identify the difference between a fuel alarm, an overfill alarm, and a sensor out alarm, among others. Once the operator determines that the system is in alarm, they should immediately contact either the A/B operator or a licensed petroleum service company, depending on the site emergency response procedures.