UST system owners and operators must ensure that each Class A, Class B, and Class C operator is trained in accordance with the requirements of this section. Any individual designated for more than one operator class must successfully complete the training required for each operator class that the individual is designated. The training required under this section for Class A and Class B operators is the same.

(1) Class A and Class B operators. Each individual designated as a Class A and/or a Class B operator must successfully complete a classroom, computer, or field-based training program or examination that:

(a) Is developed and administered by the department, an UST system owner or operator approved by the department, or an independent third party approved by the department;

(b) Covers the following subject areas and associated requirements in this chapter. Training programs and examinations may be facility-specific:

(i) Administrative requirements, including:

(A) Licensing and fees;

(B) Facility compliance tags;

(C) Authority to accept product delivery;

(D) Financial responsibility; and

(E) Reporting and recordkeeping;

(ii) Certification and use of service providers;

(iii) Compliance inspections and enforcement;

(iv) Overview of UST systems and UST system components;

(v) Product and equipment compatibility and demonstration;

(vi) Installation and repair requirements;

(vii) Spill and overfill prevention;

(viii) Release detection;

(ix) Corrosion protection and internal lining;

(x) Secondary and under-dispenser containment;

(xi) Operation and maintenance requirements, including inspections and testing;

(xii) Release reporting and confirmation requirements;

(xiii) Overview of site assessment requirements;

(xiv) Overview of cleanup requirements for releases, including the applicability of chapter 173-340 WAC;

(xv) Temporary closure, permanent closure, and change-in-service requirements;

(xvi) Operator training requirements, including training of Class C operators; and

(xvii) Any other subject areas specified by the department; and

(c) Includes an evaluation of operator knowledge, such as testing or practical examination, that reasonably determines whether the operator has the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the responsibilities of the class.

(2) Class C operators. Each Class C operator must successfully complete a classroom, computer, or field-based training program that:

(a) Is developed and administered by the department, a trained Class A or Class B operator, or an independent third party approved by the department;

(b) Provides training on how to respond to emergencies and alarms, including:

(i) Locating emergency response equipment;

(ii) Operating any emergency shut-off systems;

(iii) Identifying and responding to any alarms; and

(iv) Responding to and notifying appropriate authorities of any spills or releases; and

(c) Includes an evaluation of operator knowledge, such as testing or practical examination, that reasonably determines whether the operator has the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the responsibilities of the class.

(3) Reciprocity for out-of-state training. Class A and Class B operators previously designated in another state or at a tribal UST facility are deemed to meet the training requirements in subsection (1) of this section if:

(a) They successfully completed a training program or examination meeting the requirements of that state or 40 C.F.R. Part 280, as applicable; and

(b) They possess the training records required under WAC 173-360A-0560(2) and the records identify the state where they were designated and trained.

(4) Acceptance of prior in-state training. Except as provided under WAC 173-360A-0540, retraining is not required when the training requirements in this section are changed.

(5) Revision of existing training programs and examinations for Class A and Class B operators. Training programs and examinations for Class A and/or Class B operators approved by the department on or before October 1, 2018, must be revised to reflect the changes to the training requirements in subsection (1)(b) of this section. Revised training programs and examinations must be submitted to the department for approval by April 1, 2019. The department will approve or reject revised training programs and examinations, and provide written notice of its decision and reasons for any rejection.