5 Colo. Code Regs. § 1001-15-B-IV

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 18, September 25, 2024

Section 5 CCR 1001-15-B-IV - Qualification of Inspection Stations and Testing and Licensing of Diesel Opacity Inspectors

IV.A. Requirements for Licensing of a Diesel Opacity Inspection Station

IV.A.1. The following equipment and tools shall be available at Diesel Opacity Inspection Stations for performance of diesel opacity inspections:

IV.A.1.a. Smoke opacity meter (see Part B, II.C.) in proper calibration according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

IV.A.1.b. Chassis dynamometer (see Part B, II.D.). Not required for Heavy-Duty On-Road Test Stations.

IV.A.1.c. Photo tachometer (See Part B, II.E.1.).

IV.A.1.d. Strip Chart Recorder (See Part B, II.E.2.). Heavy-duty on-road test stations only.

IV.A.1.e. Neutral density filter for calibration check of opacity meter. (See Part B, II.E.3.).

IV.A.1.f. Manufacturer's operation, maintenance and calibration manuals for opacity meters and dynamometers must be retained in the inspection area.

IV.A.1.g. Certified thermometer, as described in Part B, II.E.4.

IV.A.1.h. Safety restraint equipment, as described in Part B, II.E.5.

IV.A.1.i. Hearing (ear) protection.

IV.A.1.j. Engine cooling fan. Required for light-duty inspection stations only.

IV.A.1.k. Exhaust removal equipment.

IV.A.1.l. Reference materials as required by licensing.

IV.A.1.m. Basic hand tools necessary to perform inspection.

IV.A.1.n. An internet-connected device for inspection data entry and data transfer, as approved by the Division

IV.A.2. The station must be a permanent location which meets all applicable zoning requirements to provide for the inspection of diesel vehicles, as licensed, and as defined in this regulation.

IV.A.3. A licensed diesel emissions inspector is employed and is available to make a proper inspection during all hours the station is open for business.

IV.A.4. All Diesel Opacity Inspection stations are required to post in a conspicuous location in a clearly legible fashion a sign indicating the fees charged for the initial inspection and first reinspection. Such fees shall not exceed the posted hourly shop rate for one hour. Inspection personnel shall notify diesel vehicle owners of the fee prior to performing any test procedure.

IV.A.5. Additional requirements for Heavy-duty On-Road Testing Stations

IV.A.5.a. Approximately three-hundred (300) yard of sound, smooth paved test lane in a safe, uncongested area, on private property (non-public roads).

IV.A.5.b. A driver knowledgeable in the operation of the vehicle to be tested and in possession of a valid operator's license relative to that vehicle.

IV.A.6. The Division may perform station equipment and inspector performance audits.

IV.B. Training, Testing and Licensing of Applicants for Diesel Opacity Inspectors

IV.B.1. Certificates of Qualification for Diesel Opacity Inspectors

IV.B.1.a. Applications for Certificates of Qualification for diesel opacity inspectors shall be filed with the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 2450 West Second Avenue, Denver, CO 80223, and the issuance of Certificates of Qualification shall be administered by the Division. Applications for such Certificates of Qualification shall be completed on forms provided by the Division. Before an applicant may be given a Certificate of Qualification, he must comply with the requirements of this section. The Division will notify applicants of the evaluation requirements prior to testing.

IV.B.1.b. The Division shall develop a training program for diesel opacity inspectors. The training program shall be comprehensive in nature and address all aspects of diesel vehicle inspection procedures. Participation by diesel opacity inspectors in this training is required to receive a Certificate of Qualification.

IV.B.2. An applicant must demonstrate knowledge, skill, and competence concerning the conduct of diesel opacity inspections. Such knowledge, skill and competence will be shown by passing a qualification test including, but not limited to, knowledge of the following:

IV.B.2.a. Knowledge of rules and regulations of Diesel Opacity Inspection Program procedures.

IV.B.2.b. Visual inspection procedures of the required emissions control equipment for 1991 and newer vehicles.

IV.B.2.c. Operation of and proper use, care, maintenance and calibration of the Commission- approved opacity meters, chassis dynamometers, photo tachometers and strip chart recorders.

IV.B.2.d. Proper use of and distribution of DVIR, Certificates of Emissions Control, opacity worksheets and supplemental documents.

IV.B.2.e. Waiver requirements for all diesel vehicles failing the initial emissions inspection.

IV.B.3. For on-road heavy-duty diesel inspector licenses only, the applicant must possess a valid Colorado Class A operator's license.

IV.B.4. The Division shall issue a Certificate of Qualification to an applicant upon successful completion of the requirements of this section.

IV.B.5. Requalification Requirements for all Diesel Opacity Inspectors

IV.B.5.a. Upon the determination by the Commission of the necessity of technically updating the qualifications for diesel opacity inspectors and, upon development or approval of retraining courses and retesting requirements for diesel opacity inspectors to demonstrate said qualifications, diesel opacity inspectors, or holders of certificates of qualification shall be required to requalify. Participation by requalifying diesel opacity inspectors in this training is required to receive a Certificate of Qualification.

IV.B.5.b. Diesel Opacity Inspectors shall be required to requalify within ninety (90) days from the date of written notification by the Division. Said notice shall be mailed to the address of record in the office of the Department of Revenue (Department) charged with licensing of diesel opacity inspectors which notice shall inform the person of the necessity of requalification and the nature of such skills, systems, and procedures requiring the retraining for the continued performance of the opacity inspection. The notice shall give the name and location of training sources approved or accredited for purposes of retraining, the necessity of requalification by a certain date, and the nature and evidence of documentation to be filed with the Division evidencing such requalification, and state that failure to requalify within said period of time shall result in suspension or revocation of the diesel opacity inspector's license or certification as described in the Department's rules and regulations.

IV.B.5.c. The Division shall issue a Certificate of Requalification to any person who has requalified to the satisfaction of the Division and according to the requalification regulation of the Department.

IV.B.6. Transmittal of Certificates and Issuance of Diesel Opacity Inspector's Licenses

The Division shall provide a duplicate copy of any Certificate of Qualification to the opacity inspector authority of the Department of Revenue, and, upon application by any person so certified or recertified, the Department shall issue a diesel opacity inspectors license in accord with the regulations of that department.

IV.B.7. Lapse of Certificate of Qualification for Diesel Opacity Inspector

A person to whom the Division has issued a Certificate of Qualification, or Certificate of Requalification, who has not been issued a Diesel Opacity Inspector's license within six (6) months from the date of issuance of the most recently issued certificate shall be deemed to have forfeited the said certificate and shall be required to reapply if a new Certificate of Qualification is requested.

5 CCR 1001-15-B-IV

39 CR 18, September 25, 2016, effective 10/15/2016

41 CR 21, November 10, 2018, effective 11/30/2018