Recent changes to Federal Pipeline Regulations now require
ALL individuals conducting replacement, renewal, maintenance, and repair activities
on pipeline facilities, to include the customer service line, to be "Qualified"
to perform the tasks.
To be "qualified," the individual must be evaluated
to assure they are capable of performing the tasks properly and safely, in accordance
with Dominion procedures, utilizing approved materials. Further, they must be
able to properly recognize and react to any abnormal operating condition they
may encounter while performing these tasks.
The regulations also require all persons performing these
tasks to be enrolled in an approved Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
To Qualify
Individuals desiring to qualify may contact an authorized
agent of Dominion for an evaluation.
Currently, Dominion has authorized the following agencies
to perform evaluations for work in its service territory:
To schedule for an evaluation, please contact one of the
above listed evaluators for information regarding their next session in your
area.
Drug and Alcohol Programs
There are several components required in order to comply
with the Department of Transportation — Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration’s
(DOT-PHMSA) regulations regarding Drug and Alcohol Programs. Some examples
are: A PHMSA Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Plan, pre-employment and
random testing for prohibited substances, post accident and reasonable cause
testing for alcohol and prohibited substances, training, recording keeping,
and an Employee Assistance Program.
Though some contractors are known to self-administer
their company’s drug
and alcohol program, the majority join a consortium in order to comply with these
Drug and Alcohol testing requirements. There are several available to provide
the administration of these regulatory requirements. Although we do not endorse
one consortium, below is a listing of several national consortiums. Please contact
them by phone or mail, if interested.
