New accreditation programs for driver and fuel tankers

In ensuring the wellbeing of employees and drivers, Caltex is always willing to go a step further. That’s one reason the company has been appointed to operate a newly formed safety joint venture, says Darren Mason, manager of the Safe Load Program (SLP).

Caltex has taken on operation and stewardship of the SLP, which manages the Driver Accredited Training and Pass-2-Load programs previously run by the Australian Institute of Petroleum.

The joint venture between Caltex, Shell and BP began operating in September 2009 with the clear aim of supporting the safety of people, equipment and facilities for the three JV companies, Darren says. Ben Rodwell, SLP’s administrator, will work closely with Darren to administer the programs.

Pass-2-Load – an inspection regime
The Pass-2-Load scheme is an inspection regime for bulk fuel road tankers to ensure they regularly complete a set of oil industry best-practice safety checks. It applies to all tankers that load products at gantries at participating member facilities.

“The trucks that meet the Pass-2-Load standards display stickers as a visual indicator they’ve been subject to a special inspection program and are safe to load,” explains Darren.

“It’s an added layer of accreditation and protection to reduce risk for our people and loading facilities.”

Inspections of the equipment take place every six months at approved locations.

Driver training – passports please

The Driver Accredited Training (DAT), on the other hand, is the program whereby tanker drivers gain a “driver’s passport” to load at Caltex and member company facilities.

Drivers have to undergo an examination and training to get their passport and must refresh their training every three years. Without the document, they simply can’t load, says Darren.

“Every one of our facilities is a bit different,” he says. “That’s why we believe all drivers must hold and maintain what we consider to be an appropriate level of knowledge. Once the DAT trainer assesses the driver as okay, they’re qualified for our facilities.”

Terminal supervisors observe and confirm the drivers’ skills and knowledge and sign off, stamping their passports, to approve loading for that particular loading supply point.

Evolution of the program is likely in future. The Safe Load Program’s mandate is to continually develop training and compliance systems for the benefit of member companies and their people.

“ Safety regulations are always changing and becoming more stringent and complex,” says Darren. “We aim to improve systems so they’re even more effective.”

SLP plans to consult all involved with the accreditation programs to ensure they capture the best ideas and improvement options.

“The petroleum industry appears keen to share SLP feedback on what we need to do to be safe,” says Darren.

Adds John Morgan, Operations Support Manager and Caltex JV representative: “Caltex is proud to operate the SLP and looks forward to working with the joint venture partners and industry to provide effective accreditation programs. It’s exciting to be so intimately involved in helping to protect our people and assets. We believe Caltex will provide the expertise and commitment to operate the joint venture with excellence.”

More information:

Phone: 13 30 25

Web: www.safeload.net.au

 

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