815 Ky. Admin. Regs. 30:060

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, December 1, 2024

Section 815 KAR 30:060 - Certification of underground petroleum storage tank contractors

RELATES TO: KRS 224.60-105, 224.60-135, 227.300

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 224.60-135(5) requires the State Fire Marshal to promulgate administrative regulations requiring a person or organization who installs, repairs, closes, or removes an underground storage tank for a petroleum storage tank owner or operator to demonstrate financial capability, including maintenance of pollution liability insurance and technical competency and proficiency. This administrative regulation establishes the minimum requirements for determining technical competency and proficiency of a company responsible for the installation, repair, interior lining, installation of corrosion protection, or removal or closure of a system by a qualifying individual and for determining financial capability through proof of insurance.

Section 1. Definitions.

(1) "Certified contractor" means an individual or organization certified by the State Fire Marshal as qualified to:

(a) Engage in the business of installing, repairing, interior lining, installing corrosion protection, or removing or closing a UPST system; or

(b) Supervise an employee engaged in an activity listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(2) "Close" or "closure" means permanently taking an underground storage tank out of service without removing it from the ground.

(3) "Remove" or "removal" means permanently taking an underground storage tank or a component out of service by removing it from the ground.

(4) "Repair":

(a) Means the restoration of a UPST system or component; and

(b) Does not mean routine maintenance or corrosion protection applied to an existing installation or the application of interior lining.

(5) "Routine maintenance" means servicing the UPST system or a component without excavation.

(6) "Underground storage tank" is defined by KRS 224.60-100(1).

(7) "Upgrade":

(a) Means a modification or addition to a UPST system; and

(b) Does not mean routine maintenance.

(8) "UPST system" means an underground storage tank that is used solely for the storage of petroleum or a petroleum product.

Section 2.

(1) A permit for the installation of a UPST system shall not be issued by the State Fire Marshal unless the applicant for the permit:

(a) Is certified by the State Fire Marshal's office; and

(b) Assures the State Fire Marshal's Office, in writing, that the installation shall comply with all applicable requirements of 815 KAR 10:060 and 401 KAR Chapter 42.

(2) An individual or company shall not install, remove, repair, interior line, install corrosion protection, or close a UPST system unless the installation, removal, interior lining, or installation of corrosion protection repair or closure:

(a) Is made by a certified contractor; and

(b) Complies with all applicable requirements of 815 KAR 10:060 and 401 KAR Chapter 42.

(3) A certificate authorizing a company to engage in an activity regulated by this administrative regulation shall be issued under the name of the company if the company:

(a) Applies for the certification; and

(b) Has in its employ at least one (1) certified contractor who:

1. Meets the supervision requirements established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation; and

2. Shall:

a. Direct an employee engaged in an activity regulated by this administrative regulation; and

b. Exercise independent judgment regarding the recommendation of an activity to an employee acting under his direction.

Section 3. Supervision Requirements.

(1) A certified contractor shall be present on site for:

(a) Preparation of the excavation immediately prior to receiving backfill or a component of the UPST system;

(b) Setting of the UPST system, including placement of an anchoring device, backfilling to the level of the UPST system, and strapping;

(c) Installing piping and its components, field coating, or corrosion protecting piping and its components;

(d) Final inspection and pressure testing of a component of the tank or piping component of the UPST system; and

(e) Completion of the backfilling and filling of the excavation.

(2) A repair to a UPST system shall require a certified contractor to be present on site for the:

(a) Actual excavation of an existing UPST system;

(b) Actual performance of a repair to the UPST system;

(c) Connection of a component of the piping during the repair project;

(d) Pressure testing of the UPST or its associated piping during the repair project;

(e) Replacement of a piping valve, fill pipe, vent, leak detection device, or spill and overfill protection device; and

(f) Addition of a leak detection device or spill and overfill device.

(3) Preparation for closing a UPST system shall require a certified contractor to be present on site for:

(a) The cleaning and purging of a UPST system;

(b) The filling of a UPST system with an inert solid material;

(c) All testing associated with the cleaning and purging processes; and

(d) The disconnection or capping of a component of the UPST system during the closing.

(4) Removal of a UPST system shall require a certified contractor to be present on site during:

(a) The cleaning and purging of the UPST system;

(b) The actual excavation and removal of the UPST system or a component;

(c) All testing associated with the cleaning and purging process; and

(d) The disconnection or capping of a component of the UPST system during the removal.

(5) The interior tank lining of a UPST system shall require a certified contractor to be present on site during:

(a) The cleaning and purging of the UPST system;

(b) The excavation of the tank top;

(c) The cutting of the top of the tank;

(d) The entry of the tank;

(e) The preparation of the interior of the tank;

(f) The application of the lining of the tank; and

(g) The closing and testing of the tank.

(6) The installation of corrosion protection to a UPST system shall require a certified contractor to be present on site during:

(a) Excavation; and

(b) The installation of an approved corrosion protection system.

Section 4. Certificate Availability. Each certified contractor shall have a copy of the current certificate issued by the State Fire Marshal at the location where the work is being supervised. Upon request of a fire official or agent of the Energy and Environment Cabinet, a certified contractor shall make the current certificate available for inspection.

Section 5. Application for Certification Requirements. Each applicant for certified contractor shall:

(1) Submit an application accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $300, to the State Fire Marshal, on application form SFM/UPST #01, May, 2020;

(2) Be an individual at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(3) Verify to the State Fire Marshal the individual's experience in the installation of, performance of repairs on site to, interior lining of, installation of corrosion protection, and closure and removal of UPST systems, as required by Section 6 of this administrative regulation;

(4) Complete the examination requirements of Section 7 of this administrative regulation;

(5) Provide proof of financial capability for taking corrective action and for compensating a third party for bodily injury or property damage by submitting certificates of general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000 and pollution liability insurance or other proof of financial capability to respond to damages in the minimum amount of $25,000 per occurrence; and

(6) If the individual wishes the certificate to be issued with a company name, indicate the company name on the application form. The company shall provide the insurance certificates required by subsection (5) of this section and comply with this administrative regulation.

Section 6. Experience Requirements.

(1) The person making application shall demonstrate that within five (5) years immediately prior to making application, the applicant has participated in the installation of, performance of repairs on site to, closure of, interior lining of, installation of corrosion protection to, or removal of a minimum of six (6) underground storage tanks, except that:

(a) Technical training of the type provided and documented by the manufacturer of the underground storage tanks and approved by the State Fire Marshal shall reduce the experience requirements of this subsection by one-third (1/3); or

(b) A BS degree in engineering with a concentration in the area of underground containment systems or a Kentucky license to practice engineering shall reduce the experience requirements of subsection (1) by two-thirds (2/3).

(2)

(a) An applicant requesting installer or remover certification shall:

1. Have installed at least three (3) UPST systems; and

2. Meet the experience requirements established in subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section.

(b) A certified installer or remover shall be qualified to perform work on a UPST system.

(3) An applicant requesting contractor certification pursuant to this administrative regulation for the limited function of removal and closure shall demonstrate experience in removal and closure of six (6) underground storage tanks.

(4) An applicant requesting contractor certification pursuant to this administrative regulation for the limited function of tank lining shall demonstrate experience in lining of at least six (6) underground storage tanks or provide proof of certification from the tank interior lining manufacturer or supplier of lining material.

(5) An applicant requesting certification pursuant to this administrative regulation for the limited function of installing corrosion protection shall demonstrate experience in the installation of at least six (6) corrosion protection systems.

Section 7. Probationary Certification. If the applicant does not comply with the level of experience required by Section 6 of this administrative regulation, the applicant shall receive a probationary certificate under the following conditions:

(1) An applicant shall obtain a minimum score of eighty-five (85) percent on the written examination;

(2) An applicant shall complete at least three (3) applicable UPST activities for which the applicant seeks certification within one (1) year of the issuance of the certificate;

(3) All UPST activities shall comply with applicable codes and statutes;

(4) An applicant shall not install, interior line, install corrosion protection, remove, close, backfill around, or cover a tank installation during the probationary period without prior approval of the State Fire Marshal's office; and

(5) An applicant shall pay a $100 add-on inspection fee for each site where a tank is removed, closed, installed, upgraded, or repaired by the applicant.

Section 8. Examination Requirements. Each applicant for certified contractor shall take and pass a written examination administered by the State Fire Marshal in compliance with this section.

(1) The applicant shall submit payment of a fifty (50) dollar nonrefundable fee at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the examination.

(2) The examination for certification as an installer or remover shall be a written multiple choice examination covering all aspects of the installation, repair, interior lining, installation of corrosion protection, closure, and removal of underground petroleum storage tank systems. The examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of codes, standards, KRS Subchapter 224.60, 806 KAR Chapter 30, and 806 KAR 10:060, and of current technological and industry recommended practices with respect to the proper installation, repair, interior lining, installation of corrosion protection, closure, and removal of UPST systems.

(3) An applicant who requests to be a certified contractor for the limited purpose of removing and permanently closing a UPST system shall be tested on knowledge of closure and removal.

(4) An applicant who requests to be a certified contractor for the limited function of interior lining of UPST systems shall be tested on knowledge of cleaning and lining the interior of an underground petroleum storage tank.

(5) An applicant who requests to be a certified contractor for the limited purpose of installing corrosion protection shall be tested on the installation, monitoring, and general knowledge of a cathodic protection system.

(6) An applicant may request permission to take the examination orally, upon good cause shown.

(7) An applicant shall obtain a minimum score of seventy-five (75) percent on the written examination to satisfactorily pass.

(8) An applicant who fails the examination may request reexamination upon payment of a nonrefundable twenty-five (25) dollar fee. An application shall remain pending for that purpose for a period of one (1) year after the date the application was submitted. If the applicant has not requested reexamination within the one (1) year period, the applicant shall file a new application for certification with the State Fire Marshal.

(9) An examination shall be given at least monthly in the State Fire Marshal's Office located at 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

(10) An examination shall be graded and the applicant notified on the day of the examination. An examination paper:

(a) Shall not be returned to the applicant; and

(b) May be reviewed by the applicant on the day of the examination.

(11) With the application, the State Fire Marshal shall provide the applicant with a set of instructions and sample examination questions. Instruction sheets shall refer the applicant to KRS Subchapter 224.60, 806 KAR Chapter 30, 806 KAR 10:060, and industry publications.

Section 9. Certification and Renewal Procedures.

(1) The State Fire Marshal shall issue a certificate to each individual as required by Sections 5 through 7 of this administrative regulation. Each certificate shall be renewed annually for a fee of $100 on Form SFM/UPST #02, May, 2020.

(2) The application or renewal for a certified contractor shall be denied by the State Fire Marshal if the applicant:

(a) Fails to provide the:

1. Information required by the application form SFM/UPST #01;

2. Insurance or financial responsibility certificates; or

3. The fee required for application and examination;

(b) Fails to comply with the experience and education requirements of this administrative regulation;

(c) Fails to successfully pass the examination required by this administrative regulation; or

(d) Makes a misrepresentation or submits a false statement with the application.

(3) A certified contractor who fails to renew certification within a one (1) year period from the most recent expiration date of the certification shall:

(a) Be treated as a new applicant;

(b) Retake the examination; and

(c) Comply with the new applicant requirements.

Section 10. Revocation or Suspension of Certification. A certificate issued pursuant to this administrative regulation shall be suspended or revoked by the State Fire Marshal if:

(1) The certified contractor negligently, incompetently, recklessly, or intentionally violated a provision of this administrative regulation or a required code relating to installation, repair, lining, closure, or removal;

(2) The certified contractor recklessly or intentionally caused or allowed a person under the contractor's supervision to install, perform a repair on site to, interior line, install corrosion protection, close, or remove a UPST system in violation of 815 KAR 10:060;

(3) The certified contractor obtained the certification through fraud or misrepresentation;

(4) The individual who took the examination, provided the experience requirements, and requested the certificate be issued with a company's name and proof of insurance is no longer employed by the company in whose name the certificate was issued; or

(5) The certified contractor failed to renew the certification in accordance with Section 9 of this administrative regulation.

Section 11. Incorporation by Reference.

(1) The following material is incorporated by reference:

(a) Form SFM/UPST #01, "Application for Certification as an Underground Tank Contractor", May 2020; and

(b) SFM/UPST #02, "Installer/Remover Certification Renewal Form", May 2020.

(2) This material may be inspected, copied or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law at the State Fire Marshal's Office, Division of Hazardous Materials, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

815 KAR 30:060

17 Ky.R. 1890; Am. 2205; 2442; 2-7-191; 18 Ky.R. 493; 1038; 1342; eff. 10-8-1991; 19 Ky.R. 1913; 2423; eff. 5-10-1993; 22 Ky.R. 2342; eff. 8-1-1996; 23 Ky.R. 1780; 2518; eff. 12-11-1996; 24 Ky.R. 1397; 1679; eff. 2-17-1998; 27 Ky.R. 3377; eff. 8-15-2001; TAm eff. 5-29-2020; 48 Ky.R.635, 1769; eff. 3-1-2022.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 189B.030, 189B.060, 224.60-135(5)