News And Events

Great news for busy Wisconsin Class A/B UST operators. We have a new training option: recorded webinar lessons.

Currently in Wisconsin, UST operators sign up for a webinar that we broadcast live. Feedback on the live option has been very positive and folks, especially new operators, say they like talking to a live person. However, scheduling can be a problem and some operators can’t afford to take a whole day off for training. We’ve had numerous requests for recording the lessons so users can watch at their leisure. Now that option is happening for Wisconsin operators. Go to the “Self-Paced” version of the Wisconsin course.

So now there are two training options

1. Live webinar and final exam
2. 10 recorded webinar lessons and final exam

In case you missed the last newsletter, we’ve made some improvements to our Class C UST Operator Training course. We’ve expanded our course material to provide a more in-depth discussion on line leak detectors plus we added a whole new lesson on delivery overfills and safety. Our new online training platform (LMS or Learning Management System) now allows you to create your own private, branded account page and manage any number of users. Want to learn more? See www.USTtraining.com

Folks often ask if a webinar is the best way to train Class A/B operators.

For sure, the traditional “brick and mortar” classroom style is what’s most familiar because it’s a live, in-person experience.

What makes live training tougher these days is cost and scheduling. There is travel to get to the classroom; it’s harder to reschedule if something comes up; it costs more (more overhead). So usually “face time” just is more costly in time and money.

Webinars are now the new meeting communications standard for many business people.  But for many UST operators it’s a whole new concept.

And just because it’s online doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Our webinars are content-rich with lots of real-life pictures and stories. We know it’s tough to stay awake even in a live class so we go out of our way to use images and interactive exercises to make the material come alive so students stay with the instructor through the day.

Should you use webinar technology to meet the training requirement? Here are some things to consider:

Generally there are three types of “classrooms”

Live: Traditional classroom

On Demand: Internet-based, attend whenever you like by yourself

Live Webinar: Internet-based, attend on a specific time and date with others

Webinars require a high speed internet connection and basic computer literacy – operators who don’t have high speed internet or get easily frustrated using the computer should perhaps consider another alternative.

Don’t get us wrong. We’d love to train everyone out there but we’d rather see people have a positive training experience and have it suit their objectives and capabilities.

Most of our webinar attendance ranges from 10-40 students per session but we can host larger groups with a few special requirements.

In June we hosted our largest-ever webinar: 152 students for a dealership training meeting in one large room with a projector, two large screens and an event sound system for Q & A.

The Numbers:

1 Day
152 Students
1 Instructor
5.5 Hours of instruction
1,928 Miles between instructor and students

We’ve set up a comparison of the each option. Use this chart to determine which qualities are most important for you.

*   Can be if designed and/or delivered well.
** Anywhere high speed Internet is available.

The feedback was very positive. Students, and even the instructor, were a little nervous about the distance and number of students. We prepared by having everyone fill out a tanks survey prior to class, so that the instructor knew exactly what the array of compliance was. We knew the attendees worked for a retail c-store, which also helped mold the course to a single user type. We tested and maintained audio and video quality so it looked and sounded great the day of the class.

So webinars aren’t for everyone but for certain situations it makes good sense. For time saving, money saving customization and ease of use, webinars are the way to go.

What make a good tank operator great?

If you’ve read Jim Collins business book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t,”  you’ll know there are interesting studies out there to determine what makes an average company into a rock star company.

We like to think most companies out there are committed to a path of continual business improvement – they plan on being around in 20 years and are constantly analyzing and improving operations in order to remain competitive.

The same logic can apply to a Class A/B operator.Here is a list of qualities we see as critical to qualify as great. Does this apply to you or your staff?

1. Organized.
A great operator keeps records of everything pertaining to the UST system in one centralized location that is easily accessible and in good reading order. A great operator knows the challenge is not only having the right leak detection equipment, but also being able to prove leak detection is being done properly and can prove it through good records.

2. Knowledgeable.
A great operator knows exactly what type of UST system he or she is in charge of. If asked, the operator can say something like “I’ve got two 12,000 gallons STIp3 double wall tanks, pressurized double wall fiberglass piping with sump sensors, mechanical line leak detectors and flapper valves.” That operator is way ahead of the neighboring site operator who doesn’t have a clue what might be underground.

3. Responsive.
A great operator takes no signal or warning sign for granted. If there is slow flow, if there is a tank gauge alarm, if sump is full of liquid, the great Class A/B operator knows to investigate pronto. The great operator also knows that the sooner you respond, the cheaper the clean up bill, if a leak is confirmed.

4. Cautious.
A great operator understands that petroleum blends are changing and is on the lookout for signs that alternative fuels may adversely impact their UST system. Because of possible incompatibility issues with modern fuels and older tank systems, the great operator does thorough research and makes informed decisions before changing fuel types.

5. Proactive.
A great operator know how risky spill buckets can be and takes the time to do routine inspections of the sidewalls and bottom of the spill buckets, even if it’s not required. Then he or she takes the time to develop an oily water storage and disposal plan.

6. Skilled.
A good operator knows they have a tank monitor but a great operator knows how to run it. The difference between knowledge of something and the skill and experience to engage the knowledge cannot be overstated enough. A great operator knows his or her tank monitor inside-out or has someone onsite who does.

7. Thorough.
A great operator knows having a functioning tank monitor isn’t enough; it must be able to ensure the third party certification conditions are met. This means that the leak test is not just done but it is valid. If the throughout is too high, if the tank is too big, if the tank is nearly empty, the test result may or may not be valid and the tank may or may not be leaking.

8. Experienced.
Most points above are qualities that UST operators have or can acquire but the truth is, great operators don’t happen overnight. For those in the industry for years, great operators are those who stick around and learn from their mistakes.

Historically the Class A/B operator hasn’t been recognized for the important job he or she does in protecting the environment and the business. Now that the Class A/B classification is becoming a nationally recognized title, we hope that more emphasis will be put on making great operators and not just simply having good ones.

If you are a UST owner needing to hire a Class A/B operator, use this list to consider your candidates.
If you are an existing Class A/B operator and want to increase your status from good to great, consider these qualities.