PG&E Operator Qualification (OQ) overview


Federal and State regulation CFR 49.192, Subpart N and GO 112F require that individuals performing covered tasks on the gas pipeline system hold the applicable qualifications at the time of performing the work. Operator Qualification is required for any work on the gas pipeline system or in construction of new gas pipeline facilities that will be connected to the gas pipeline system.


A full list of PG&E qualifications can be obtained by calling 1-855-854-6227 and selecting Option 4, or by emailing OQPlasticSched@pge.com.



How to get started


Here are the steps to getting qualified:


  1. Register with Industrial Training Services (ITS), a third-party vendor that manages gas qualification records for PG&E. Here's how:
    • Email the following information to servicedesk@its-training.com.
      • Company name
      • Contact person
      • Phone number
      • Email address
    • ITS will send a confirmation back once the registration is complete. Please maintain primary contact information in ITS once your company is registered.
  2. Determine which OQs you need for the work your project requires. For any questions, contact your PG&E Inspector, your PG&E New Business Representative or your prime contractor. If further assistance is needed, contact the PG&E Program Manager for Contractor OQ at OQPgmMgr@pge.com.
  3. Ensure your employees are trained and ready to test. They should review all materials in CORE. Click on the link PG&E Business Partners CORE to get started with CORE. If you find a current procedure has been replaced and the date is not effective yet, please contact the Gas Standards Engineering & TIL Hotline to request a copy of the current procedure at (855) 854-6227 option 3.
  4. Once employees are trained and ready, schedule testing:


NOTE: PG&E requires that all written and performance testing must be conducted in English and without use of translation services.



Frequently asked questions from excavation contractors

General information about PG&E Operator Qualification

Definitions and additional resources


Definitions


Applicant Install Contractor: Anyone who does work near or on PG&E gas lines who does not have a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with PG&E.


Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOC): A condition identified by PG&E that may indicate a malfunction of a component or deviation from normal operations that may:


  • Indicate a condition exceeding design limits; or
  • Result in a hazard(s) to persons, property, or the environment.

CORE: CORE is an application that enables secure, remote access to the PG&E Technical Information Library (TIL).


Covered Tasks: Defined by 49 CFR §192.801 Scope and G.O. 112-F §105 Definitions as an activity identified by the operator that meets ALL of the following requirements:


  • Is performed on a gas pipeline.
  • Is an operations, maintenance or new-construction task.
  • Is performed as a requirement of 49 CFR §192.
  • Affects the operation or integrity of the gas pipeline.

Industrial Training Services (ITS): A third-party vendor who manages gas qualification records for PG&E.


Span-of-Control (SOC): The maximum number of non-qualified individuals that a qualified individual can direct and observe performing a covered task.


Additional resources


5MM for Operator Qualification

Guide to Qualification (PDF, 240 KB)

PGE Pipe Required Materials List For Pipe Joining Qualifications (PDF, 188 KB)

Job Aid for Accessing WPR on Laptop Browser (PDF, 271 KB)

Job Aid for Accessing WPR on Smart Device (PDF, 297 KB)

Job Aid for 80 Percent Passing Score Screen Changes (PDF, 204 KB)

Job Aid for Uploading Certifications (PDF, 246 KB)

Formal Training Form for Contractors (PDF, 204 KB)