Span of Control Best Practices in Your Pipeline OQ Program
The recent revisions to Span of Control in the
ASME B31Q standard for the pipeline industry provide significant clarification on the role of a qualified observer for an unqualified worker. ITS has adapted the guidance from the B31Q standard, as well as related PHMSA regulations, into an interactive online course: Qualified Observer for Span of Control in the Enhanced series.
This brief course, available to all ITS clients, will help supervisors and workers easily identify their roles and responsibilities on the job site and ensure that all tasks are completed safely and accurately.
Span of Control Guidance
Span of control provides unqualified workers an opportunity to work on covered tasks under the supervision of a qualified observer. However, qualified observers are expected to remain present with unqualified workers in order to direct, observe, and intervene if there is an Abnormal Operating Condition.
According to B31Q, qualified observers should remain
where the task is being performed and maintain the recommended “observer to worker”
ratios for each task.
Changing Span of Control
The ITS Qualified Observer for Span of Control course illustrates how to apply span of control in specific situations.
For example, if the conditions on a worksite make it advisable to reduce the number of workers under span of control, the qualified observer may decide to limit span of control. These changes may occur due to factors such as weather conditions, visibility, and other obstructions.
Learn More about the Changes to B31Q
There were plenty of other notable changes in the latest revision to the B31Q standard. You can learn about them all in the latest edition of the ITS Regulation Navigation webinar, where ITS VP of Learning and Product, Chris Taylor, leads a wide ranging discussion with Amy Livingston, training Manager at Kinder Morgan and a committee member with B31Q.
https://its-training.com/regnav/
Watch Regulation Navigation
Frequently Asked Questions About Span of Control in Pipeline OQ Programs
Proper application of span of control is essential to maintaining compliance, supporting workforce development, and ensuring safe performance of covered tasks. The recent updates to ASME B31Q provide additional clarity on the responsibilities of qualified observers and the supervision of unqualified workers. Below are answers to some common questions about span of control and how it applies within a pipeline operator qualification (OQ) program.
What is span of control in a pipeline OQ program?
Span of control allows an unqualified worker to perform a covered task while under the direct supervision of a qualified observer. The qualified observer is responsible for directing, observing, and intervening as necessary to ensure the task is completed safely and in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
What are the responsibilities of a qualified observer?
A qualified observer must remain present where the covered task is being performed and maintain oversight of the workers under their span of control. According to ASME B31Q guidance, qualified observers should be able to direct the work, observe task performance, and intervene immediately if an Abnormal Operating Condition (AOC) or other safety concern arises.
Can span of control ratios change based on job site conditions?
Yes. While recommended observer-to-worker ratios may be established for specific tasks, qualified observers should evaluate conditions in the field and adjust span of control when necessary. Factors such as weather, visibility, site complexity, worker experience, and physical obstructions may warrant reducing the number of workers under supervision to maintain safe and effective oversight.
Why were changes made to span of control guidance in ASME B31Q?
The latest revisions to ASME B31Q provide additional clarification around the role of qualified observers and the expectations for supervising unqualified workers. These updates help organizations apply span of control more consistently, improve safety outcomes, and strengthen the defensibility of their operator qualification programs.
How can organizations train employees on span of control requirements?
ITS clients have access to the Qualified Observer for Span of Control course within the Enhanced Series. This interactive online training helps supervisors and workers understand their responsibilities, apply span of control appropriately in real-world situations, and stay aligned with current B31Q guidance and PHMSA expectations.
