Section 229.170  Operator Training and Qualification Requirements

a)         No HMIWI shall be operated unless a trained and qualified HMIWI operator, as specified in this Section, is available on-site to operate or supervise the operation of the HMIWI.

b)         To become a trained and qualified operator, a person shall complete a training program that, at a minimum, meets the criteria specified in subsection (c) of this Section, pass the examination administered in accordance with subsection (c)(2) of this Section and have either 6 months experience as an HMIWI operator or have completed 2 burn cycles under the observation of 2 trained and qualified HMIWI operators.

c)         An operator training program shall satisfy all of the following criteria:

1)         Consist of at least 24 hours of training covering the following subjects:

A)        Work safety procedures;

B)        Pre-startup procedures;

C)        Environmental concerns, including pathogen destruction and types of emissions;

D)        Basic combustion principles, including combustion byproducts;

E)        Instruction in the proper operation of the same type of incinerator that will be used by the operator, including proper startup, waste charging, and shutdown procedures;

F)         Combustion controls and monitoring;

G)        Operation of air pollution control equipment and factors affecting performance;

H)        Methods for monitoring pollutants, both by CEMS and by monitoring of HMIWI and air pollution control device operating parameters, and monitoring instrument calibration procedures;

I)         Inspection and maintenance of an HMIWI, air pollution control equipment, and CEMS;

J)         Corrective measures to remedy malfunctions and conditions that may lead to malfunction;

K)        Characteristics of and proper handling procedures for bottom and fly ash;

L)        Recordkeeping procedures; and

M)       Applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.

2)         Administer an examination designed by the course instructor; and

3)         Provide reference materials covering all of the course topics specified in subsection (c)(1) of this Section.

d)         Operator qualification is valid from the date on which the examination specified in subsection (c)(2) of this Section is passed, or the completion of the experience requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this Section, whichever is later.

e)         In order for an operator that has been qualified in accordance with subsection (b) of this Section to maintain the necessary qualification status, the operator shall:

1)         Complete and pass an annual review course of at least 4 hours in length that, at a minimum, covers the following subjects:

A)        An update of applicable regulations;

B)        Proper incinerator operation, including startup and shutdown procedures;

C)        Proper incinerator inspection and maintenance;

D)        Responses to malfunctions and conditions that may lead to malfunction; and

E)        A discussion of operating problems encountered by attendees.

2)         If an operator fails to either take or to complete and pass the annual review course, the operator's qualification will lapse.

3)         If the operator's qualification lapses for less than 3 years, qualification may be reinstated by taking and passing the annual review course, as provided under subsection (e)(1) of this Section.

4)         If there is a 3 year or greater lapse in an operator's qualification, then the operator shall take and pass an operator training course, as provided for under subsection (c) of this Section, in order to reinstate the qualification.