Training And Certifications

Topaz service trainees undergo an approximate year long course of study and on-the-job skills training as new hires. When completed, this training qualifies the individual to perform independently in the role of hot tapping/line plugging/cold cutting technician. Each technician must demonstrate to a competent and experienced trainer a thorough understanding of the operation, maintenance, and repair of hot tapping/line plugging/cold cutting equipment. Upon successful completion of training, the technician is certified as having the proven expertise to perform these tasks in a safe and expedient manner. Technicians are certified by type and size of equipment, and are allowed to operate unsupervised, only the specific equipment for which they are qualified. All training is documented.

 

In accordance with 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart N-Gas and Part 195 Subpart G-Liquid (DOT Office of Pipeline Safety, Operator Qualification regulation), all Topaz personnel performing safety sensitive operations on DOT regulated jobsites are third-party certified as qualified to perform hot tapping and line plugging affiliated covered tasks. In order to be certified, Topaz technicians must  pass a hands-on performance verification by certified evaluator, a proctored written knowledge assessment, and must successfully demonstrate recognition and appropriate reaction to abnormal operating conditions which might occur during execution of the task(s).  To maintain a  "Qualified" status, all technicians are recertified at an interval prescribed by DOT regulated facility owners, or a period not to exceed three years, whichever frequency is shorter. Qualification documentation for any Topaz service technician is available  to customers in hard copy or online through various independent internet databases.