LMCI and NACE International Collaborate to Provide OQ Training for the Coatings Industry Workforce
Houston, TX (July 10, 2008) - The Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative (LMCI) and NACE International have collaborated to provide training and qualification to address the Operator Qualification (OQ) Rule for the oil & natural gas pipelines industry. The NACE International Operator Qualification (OQ) Program provides training and qualifications that address 40 covered tasks for corrosion, including 13 coatings-related covered tasks.
NACE International is partnering with LMCI, the labor management arm of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), to offer high-quality coatings-focused OQ training to IUPAT members working in the pipeline industry. Coatings are one of the key defenses against corrosion for the pipeline industry. Ensuring proper coatings application is a critical part of a corrosion control program.
NACE International developed the OQ program to address federal pipeline regulations in the United States. The training provides the necessary skills to qualify personnel working on pipelines.
"The LMCI is excited to partner with NACE International to provide coatings training and qualifications that address the OQ rule. Working with the leader in corrosion control and prevention enhances the quality of the training we are able to offer IUPAT members and the industry," said LMCI Administrator William McDevitt.
The LMCI, in conjunction with the IUPAT Finishing Trades Institute, will play a key role in assisting NACE International to provide this training and qualification to the coatings industry workforce, as the industry seeks to address the OQ Rule. This partnership will improve the quality of the current level of training available to employees working on pipelines.
"Through this partnership we believe we have raised the standard for all OQ providers addressing coatings covered tasks. The endorsement of the LMCI is an exceptional opportunity," said Tony Keane, Executive Director of NACE International. "LMCI's leadership and prominence throughout the coatings industry will ensure the success of this program and will be a great resource for IUPAT members and non-members alike."
The OQ program is currently available through NACE International as a publicly offered program on the Web. For more information on the NACE OQ program, visit www.nace.org/oq.
NACE International is the leading provider of corrosion prevention and control training, qualification, and certification for the pipeline industry. Information about additional training courses and certifications can be found at www.nace.org/education.
NACE International is a professional technical association dedicated to promoting public safety, protecting the environment, and reducing the economic impact of corrosion. Established in 1943, NACE International has more than 20,000 members worldwide and offers technical training and certification programs, sponsors conferences, and produces industry standards, reports, publications, and software. More information about NACE International can be found at www.nace.org.
The Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative (LMCI) programs are the result of a partnership with the Finishing Contractors Association and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more about the LMCI at www.LMCIonline.org.
Contact:
Stephanie Garner,
NACE International
E-mail: stephanie.garner@nace.org
