Washington State UST A/B Operator Training
This Washington State UST Class A/B Operator Training course is designed to help owners and operators meet the underground storage tank (UST) training requirements administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology and satisfy state compliance obligations under Chapter 173-360A WAC.
The training supports an understanding of Washington’s UST regulations and practical compliance expectations. PASS is included on Washington Ecology’s list of approved Class A and Class B operator-training vendors. Official program information is available through the Washington State Department of Ecology UST Operator Certification Program.
Why This Training Matters
Washington requires at least one trained Class A operator and one trained Class B operator to be designated for each UST system or group of systems at a facility. This training helps ensure operators understand key regulatory responsibilities, including:
- Regulatory oversight and compliance responsibilities
- Proper UST operation, maintenance, inspections, and testing
- Spill and overfill prevention and release detection
- Response to alarms, suspected releases, and emergencies
- Documentation, recordkeeping, and Class C operator training requirements
These measures are critical to protecting public health, soil, groundwater, and the environment from the risks associated with underground storage tank releases.
Course Coverage
Topics include:
- Washington UST regulations and administrative requirements
- Responsibilities of Class A, Class B, and Class C operators
- UST licensing, fees, compliance tags, and authority to accept product
- UST system components, installation, repairs, and approved service providers
- Spill and overfill prevention
- Release detection, corrosion protection, and secondary containment
- Operation, maintenance, inspections, and equipment testing
- Emergency response and release-reporting procedures
- Financial responsibility, compliance inspections, and recordkeeping
- Product compatibility, site assessment, cleanup, and closure requirements
Course Format & Certification
- Self-paced online training accessible 24/7 from any internet-connected device
- Designed for flexibility—complete the course in one session or in segments
- Approximately four hours of training, plus exam time
- Reinforcement through chapter quizzes and a final exam
- A score of 80% or higher is required to pass
- Upon successful completion, receive a downloadable Washington Class A/B operator certificate
- Class A and Class B operators must complete training within 60 days of assuming their duties
- Training certificates and operator-designation records must be maintained at the UST facility
- Washington Ecology may require retraining within 60 days after determining that a facility is out of compliance
Who Should Take This
This training is intended for:
- Washington UST owners and operators responsible for regulatory compliance
- Designated Class A and Class B operators at Washington State UST facilities
- Facility managers and employees responsible for UST oversight and daily operations
- Environmental, safety, and operations personnel who need Washington-approved Class A/B operator certification
Operator Overview
Chapter 1
This first chapter discusses one of the most critical components of any facility: the personnel. Both the EPA and the states have regulations for operator duties and training. This chapter explains the different roles. Facilities are difficult to manage and maintain, and we learn that it's not just as simple as distributing a product, selling sodas and collecting money. Let's begin...
System and Components
Chapter 2
It is extremely important for station personnel to know the components of a station, and how it operates, so this chapter gives a thumbnail description of the mechanics of a facility. Throughout the training, there are documents for download to help station operators perform their duties.
Release Detection
Chapter 3
While every facility is different, they all have release detection, or monitoring, equipment in common. This chapter looks at the various monitoring devices, and what role an operator plays. Monitoring is important to catch leaks before they become a major headache. No operator wants to be responsible for ignoring monitoring issues resulting in a release into the environment
Release Prevention
Chapter 4
In their collective wisdom, the states and the EPA mandate certain components to avoid a major spill or leak. Station operators should follow the two M’s: maintenance and monitoring. Doing both can avoid or lessen the impact of costly repairs or remediation. This chapter will help operators do just that.
Administration and Record Keeping
Chapter 5
Owning and operating a UST Facility is not just about equipment and preventing releases. This chapter really dives into the other facets of UST management: registration, installation, ownership, financial requirements, paperwork, fuel delivery, reporting and closure.
Inspections and Response
Chapter 6
The final chapter in our training is designed to ensure that the A/B Operator is prepared for upcoming inspections, both regulatory and in-house. We also cover the different functionality tests and how to handle these. Finally, we will discuss the appropriate response to fires, releases and other emergencies.