South Carolina UST Class A/B Operator Training
South Carolina’s underground storage tank operator-training requirements are administered by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). For official requirements, training options, and operator resources, visit the SCDES Required Operator Training website (https://des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-land-waste-management/underground-storage-tanks/required-operator-training).
Why This Training Matters
South Carolina requires every regulated UST facility to designate at least one trained Class A operator, Class B operator, and Class C operator. Class A operators oversee regulatory compliance, while Class B operators are responsible for daily operation, maintenance, monthly monitoring validation, and quarterly facility visits.
This training helps operators:
• Understand their responsibilities under South Carolina UST regulations
• Properly operate and maintain UST systems
• Verify required monitoring, testing, and maintenance
• Recognize and respond to alarms, spills, and suspected releases
• Maintain required records and prepare for SCDES inspections
• Protect public health, property, and the environment
New Class A and Class B operators must complete approved training within 30 days of assuming their duties. Routine retraining is not required while assigned facilities remain compliant. When SCDES determines that a facility is out of compliance, its primary Class A and Class B operators must complete required retraining within 30 days.
Course Coverage
Topics include:
• Class A, Class B, and Class C operator responsibilities
• UST systems, components, and operating requirements
• Spill and overfill prevention
• Release detection, monitoring, and reporting
• Corrosion protection
• Product and equipment compatibility
• Financial responsibility
• Tank notification and registration
• Monthly operation, maintenance, and monitoring validation
• Quarterly Class B facility visits
• Required testing, inspections, and recordkeeping
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Environmental and regulatory consequences of releases
• Class C operator training requirements
• Temporary and permanent closure
Course Format & Certification
• PASS is listed as an SCDES-approved third-party Class A/B course
• Online and available on demand, 24/7
• Accessible from an internet-connected computer, tablet, or phone
• May be completed in one session or paused and resumed
• Approximately four hours, plus final-exam time
• Chapter quizzes reinforce understanding of the material
• An 80% score is required to pass the final exam
• A certificate is issued after successful completion
• The training certificate and facility-assignment information must be submitted to SCDES
• A copy of the training record should be maintained at the facility
• Routine renewal is not required while assigned facilities remain compliant
Who Should Take This
This training is intended for:
• Individuals designated as South Carolina Class A or Class B UST operators
• Owners and managers responsible for UST regulatory compliance
• Personnel responsible for daily UST operation, maintenance, monitoring, or record keeping
• Newly designated operators completing South Carolina’s 30-day training requirement
• Operators required to retrain after a facility is found out of compliance
Owners and operators of petroleum USTs must demonstrate financial responsibility for bodily injury and property damage caused by spills and releases. This chapter covers financial responsibility statutes and financial assurance mechanisms as well as recordkeeping and reporting requirements.