Fill station operator and PSI inspector

[bradt81]

Looking to see if anyone has any information on what the right way about becoming a fill station operator would be. I've tried searching my states regulations and licenses, but am unable to find anything.

Is there a special license or training that needs to be completed to become a fill station operator? I am specifically looking for Minnesota, but any information would help.

Also, I have searched for becoming a PSI certified inspector. I have found and read about PSI, Inc. Does anyone know if there is another organization or is this the best one to use?

Brad

[g1138]

Purely generalization based on several first hand examples I've witnessed and partook in.
A lot of shops and diving outfits don't require you to have a permit or fill-station certification to fill tanks. New shop employees will get a briefing and onsite training on how to work a compressor and how to fill tanks safely. And from there they fill tanks, once they prove they can do so safely.

All compressors work differently in their own slight way, so even if you do get a PSI fill station operator cert, you'll still have to be trained on the compressor you end up using.

PSI is a good organization. They know their stuff, although I feel they get a bit fanatical when expressing their knowledge (based on a few emails conversations I've had with them).
They have a right to be so for good reason. Filling a tank the wrong way can create a ticking time bomb. But the guidelines to filling a tank are very straight forward.

If you get a PSI Inspector cert from them it will be recognized.
Getting trained from them would be to your benefit, if you have the time.

Source
I've filled tanks.
My fellow DM's have filled tanks.
I've talked to my LDS shop employees who've filled tanks.
I've talked with my instructors who've filled tanks.
Majority of us were never certified by PSI. But we were briefed on fill station guidelines based or even directly from PSI.

[divermike1011]

If you work around compressed gas you are legally required to attend DOT approved safety training. The first part of the PSI/PCI VIP course covers this. In the real world G1138 has it corret -- you pretty much need to not seem like an idiot to someone who owns a compressor. If you do take the PSI/PCI course, which I recommend (it's informative and you get certified to VIP tanks which will help you get a job at a dive shop), you will not want to fill tanks anymore, because almost no operation follows all of the safety rules and regs out there. That being said I fill tanks everyday and thus far with no incidents. A lot of it is common sense, but it's still good to take the course for your own knowledge (and marketability)

Michael

[SCUBA482]

I've taken both and as mentioned, a lot of good info. The LDS I work for requires the class to fill tanks, and learning the procedures to Viz tanks and the different tanks is useful.

Agreed on having filled tanks before the class and most of it is common sense. If you can read and understand the tank markings your a leg up. If you don't remember what everything on a tank stands for, then the class will provide the basis for knowing how to obtain the info.

As for you specific question on Minessota; I wish I had more info. I'd recommend asking your LDS, or others if they can't help you, until you find somebody who has been certified. Ask them for the location or local instructor for the class. What are you planning on doing that requires the certification anyway?

[waterpirate]

If you take the TDI blender series, do the tank vip class, do the dot safety class you will be grossly over qualified. The courses above would cover all the bases imho. Most tank monkeys I have met while on vacation I would not trust operating my pull start push mower. Knowledge is power, and the card covers your a$$.
Eric

After you get edumacated you can build one of these.

[awap]

If you work around compressed gas you are legally required to attend DOT approved safety training.

Do you have a reference on that? Is the requirement only for exposure involving transportation (DOT) or does it involve only commercial use? Does such a training requirement apply to an individual diver with a private fill station or an equalizer hose?

[g1138]

awap, I guess I can vouch for that. I was given a small packet with DOT stamped right at the top, still have it in fact.
A lecture and practical was provided as well. :D

I'm not sure how it applies to private fill stations though. It definitely doesn't hurt to have the training.

[bradt81]

Thank you for all of the information. It sounds like it wiould be a good idea to take the PSI course. If I can find a local class that goes over the fill station process, I might check into that too. If anyone has taken either of these courses, where have you taken them from? From a local instructor or through the PSI/PCI program?

SCUBA482: I have looked around my area to find places that do tank fills and inspections and cannot find anything real close. I thought about getting into it and possibly doing this on the side if it works out. I would like to work in a dive shop and seems like this certification and knowledge would be helpful in getting a job.


Brad

[*dave*]

I'd be interested in knowing the exact law that requires certification. There are laws relating to qualification, but I've yet to see anything about qualification.

Just looking for something I can actually point to, but have yet to find it in the CFR.


awap, I guess I can vouch for that. I was given a small packet with DOT stamped right at the top, still have it in fact.
A lecture and practical was provided as well. :D

I'm not sure how it applies to private fill stations though. It definitely doesn't hurt to have the training.

[Doc Harry]

Are you looking to open or work in a commercial fill station, or a private fill station for your own use?

If it is the former, then I suggest taking a course from PSI to help you navigate the web of OSHA and DOT regulations.

If it is the later, then there are no regulations. Do what you want. But I still recommend taking a gas blending and fill station operator course.

Generally, DOT regulations don't apply to private individuals. However, if you plan to transport more than 1,000 pounds (*) of compressed gas cylinders on public thoroughfares, then you have be compliant with all applicable DOT regulations even as a private individual.

I took a variety of courses through IANTD and PSI.

(*) Footnote: I may be quoting a wrong number, see CFR

[davetowz]

Air, Compressed is Hazmat class 2.2. 49 CFR 172.704; Training requirements.

[captndale]

If you work around compressed gas you are legally required to attend DOT approved safety training.

I can find no requirement for DOT approved training in the CFR. In fact, I can find no reference to DOT approval of any particular courses or providers of training. 49CFR172.704 simply says that training must be provided and stipulates what must be included in the training:
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Admin., DOT § 172.704
(b) Except as provided in
§ 172.704(c)(1), a hazmat employee who
performs any function subject to the
requirements of this subchapter may
not perform that function unless instructed
in the requirements of this
subchapter that apply to that function.
It is the duty of each hazmat employer
to comply with the applicable requirements
of this subchapter and to thoroughly
instruct each hazmat employee
in relation thereto.
(c) Training may be provided by the
hazmat employer or other public or
private sources.

[divermike1011]

Well I can't find my copy of the PSI/PCI book, but I did find my class notes... which are a combination of my own chicken-scratch and the power point slides from the course. One slide has the following: "CFR Title 49-172.700 - mandates that all persons who handle, transport, or are likely to be affected by the hazards of compressed gas cylinder and their contents shall receive appropriate safety training. - Hazmat Training that within industries that utilize high pressure cylinders should provide specific safety awareness for all applicable groups such as employes..."

Other CFRs in the power point cited are: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.101A; 49 CFR, parts 171-179

Hope that helps!

Michael

[aquaregia]

Appropriate safety training can be on-the-job and site-specific I believe. I had to go through some stuff like that to work with some lasers and compressed gasses, but it certainly wasn't through a third-party.

[scubadiveilat]

There are some basic courses offered through PADI. Certified divers of advance get some glance. While higher up the ladder covers the subject in depth.

Alternative google scuba diving technician or inspection there are hits that appear to offer courses from a basic, particular or advanced to expert.

Depending on your interests. there a wide selection to choose.

Have fun diving and enjoy!!!

[rigdiver]

awap, I guess I can vouch for that. I was given a small packet with DOT stamped right at the top, still have it in fact.
A lecture and practical was provided as well. :D

I'm not sure how it applies to private fill stations though. It definitely doesn't hurt to have the training.

The last PSI course I went to this statement was made: "If you have your own compressor and dive in a lake in your backyard you MAY be DOT exempt."