Operator FAQ

Why is Veriforce different from other OQ providers?

Other providers offer a subscription or off-the-shelf product. Members of Veriforce receive a service and are a part of a coalition of operators that work together to preserve the integrity of the process. Veriforce offers a platform that allows operators to exchange current OQ and DOT Regulatory information. 

Will Veriforce administer my custom OQ Plan and Covered Tasks?

Yes, Veriforce has the ability to administer Custom or Common OQ Plans and Covered Tasks Lists. We are able to administer customization without leaving the operator isolated. We audit the entire pool of contractors and evaluators shared by Veriforce members. DOT findings are commonly shared among the coalition of operators. The sharing of real-time regulatory information protects our operators and improves the preparation for DOT audits.

What if I don’t have an OQ plan?

Veriforce will work with you to draft an OQ plan complete with all required components, covered task identification, evaluation criteria, accompanying procedures, and other resources to help manage your OQ program. Veriforce-developed programs have successfully withstood regulatory scrutiny at state and federal levels. They are built on best practices learned from other operators and enforcement experience combined with our expertise.

How difficult is it to transfer data into Veriforce’s system?

Veriforce already has a transition conversion system in place so operators and contractors can keep working throughout the conversion process. We have completed the process many times so you can be sure it will be done at the highest level of integrity with the least amount of disruption to you business.

What is B31Q?

It is proposed ASME standard that provides general and specific requirements for the qualification of pipeline personnel. The implementation of this standard is intended to minimize pipeline failures caused by human error. This standard does not impose a requirement to perform specific tasks that affect the safety or integrity of the pipeline. It does, however, set the requirements for qualification of individuals in the event these types of tasks are performed. This standard establishes the requirements for identifying covered tasks that impact the safety or integrity of pipelines, for qualifying individuals to perform those tasks, and for managing the qualifications of pipeline personnel.

Do contractors need to develop their own OQ plan?

Only pipeline operators are covered under the OQ rule. The qualification of individuals performing covered tasks who are employed by contractors is the responsibility of the operator(s). Veriforce assists its operator clients by administrating their contractor OQ programs.

Only pipeline operators can determine what covered tasks will be required of workers, contractors, and subcontractors working on their pipeline.

Does Veriforce audit the status of contractor qualifications and document the qualifications?

Yes, Veriforce audits and documents the status of contractor qualifications so operators are confident that the contractors working on their pipelines are qualified. This process gives our operators the ability to defend the qualification status to DOT Regulators. 

How do operator field personnel verify contractor personnel qualifications?

Through the Veriforce database system (VeriSource), the operator and/or contractor can obtain a Field Verification Report (FVR) which includes identifying information and current qualifications.  This then can be presented to the field personnel to verify proper qualifications. 

How does Veriforce ensure that my contractors have good drug and alcohol programs?

Veriforce collects and reviews drug and alcohol plans from your contractors to ensure that they are up to date and cover all of the regulatory requirements. Veriforce also collects the last five years of testing statistics to document that testing has been occurring and to document that the contractor has met the required annual testing percentage. Additionally Veriforce collects the following semi-annually:

• A current covered employee list showing who is in the contractor’s testing pool, pre-employment test, and background check information;
• A current supervisor training list showing who in the company has received the required training to make reasonable suspicion decisions:
• Statistical data reports that show the testing that the contractor has conducted  in the last six months including types of tests, negatives, positives including drug(s) the test was positive for and disposition of the employee (not hired, rehabilitation,…), refusals, and cancelled tests.

Veriforce also conducts on-site field audits of contractor’s drug and alcohol programs at your request to ensure that all aspects of the program meet regulatory requirements.

How do personnel become authorized evaluators?

To become an authorized evaluator, personnel must complete an evaluator application, obtain three references (for task categories requested) and complete the evaluator training program.  There is a fee for this authorization and must be renewed annually. Individual operator qualification programs may have different requirements for internal evaluators.

How does Veriforce assist with the Personnel Performance Monitoring requirement?

By conducting audits, at an established rate, of qualified individuals and authorized evaluators, this data allows the operators to evaluate the effectiveness of their OQ programs. Frequent communication with operators and contractors allows for Veriforce to change the qualified status of individuals immediately in the cases of improper performance and/or incidents/accidents, as defined by PHMSA. All documentation is also passed through a QA/QC.