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3rd Quarter, 2008 Pipeline Safety or Pipe OQ: Which one is for You? Many people have contacted the Training Center regarding our new Pipeline Safety class and the Pipe OQ course. These are two very different courses. Pipeline Safety can be taken by any member as long as they have an application from their Local Union and they have a current union card. Students will be taught the installation of new pipeline, and applicants do not need any prior experience in this area. Pipe OQ, on the other hand, is a specialty course that requires a contractor to verfiy that the member needs the training for work. Pipe OQ is for testing individuals that maintain and repair liquid petroleum and/or natural gas pipelines. For further information, please feel free to contact Roy Tornabene, Training Director, at the Training Center. A Little Reminder about a BIG ISSUE – Renewals Be sure to send in an application two months before your cards expire. Flagger Cards are good for 3 years. All Scaffold Cards expire in 4 years. After the 4 years, please call the Training Center to make a Scaffold Photo Update card appointment. The update will extend the scaffold expiration for 4 more years. Call the Training Center for additional expiration rules. Need a CDL? We have had many people inquire about getting a CDL test. Our facility prepares you for either the class A or test. Following is a quick overview of the process: First, you must pass the written test; study guides can be obtained at any Secretary of State facility. Our truck has air brakes, so remember to test for the air brake restriction. After you receive your driving permit, you will need to get some driving experience on your own. When you are confident that you are comfortable driving a truck, send in an application for training for the CDL class. Applications are available at your Local. A copy of your CDL permit must accompany your application.
When we have an opening in our CDL schedule we will contact you by phone. It is extremely important that your application has a working telephone number. Next, we will send you a letter reminding you of your practice time and test date. Our instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of the pre-trip, but you must already be familiar with driving a truck before attending this course. The class A course has two days of practice and the class course has one day. Once you complete the practice session/pretrip review, you will be given directions to the West Chicago facility for the actual testing. The following day, usually, our instructor will meet you at the West Chicago Secretary of State facility with our truck, so you can take both the pre-trip inspection and the driving test. You may leave the Secretary of State location immediately after your test. Individuals do not receive a stipend payment for the CDL practice session.
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