Whitlow Smoke School  Nation

How Long Does a Whitlow Smoke School Last?

Most Whitlow Smoke Schools are conducted on one day. Why we do a one-day smoke school. A few schools are 2-day schools because we expect larger crowds. Because of the unique smoke school requirements in Texas, Texas schools are longer. Click here for Texas Smoke School Aganda.

EPA Method 9 Certification Field-test - One and 1/2 Hours Minimum

You can take the field-test and attend the classroom in a single day. If you just need the field-test you should be finished in one and one half hours after we start the actual certification test.  Most people pass the test on the first run or at least during the morning session.  Unless otherwise notified, the field-test and EPA Method 9 certification starts at 8 AM on the first day of training. Everyone should report to the school at 8 AM. Sometimes we delay the school start time until everyone on the roster is present. If this sounds like the old military saying- hurry up and wait, then I apologize.

Please be considerate of other attendees. Please contact us if you:

• Plan to report at a time other than 8 AM on the first day

• Are lost

• Are running late

• Please contact us in advance if you need to reschedule your school. Check our schedule for a better date that will work for you. You may change your registration to any other school on the schedule at no extra charge. The same holds true if you realize that you have missed your smoke school.

Before we start the test, we always have a mini-lecture (download mini-lecture) to teach the basic fundamentals of how to take the smoke school test and how to read opacity in the field. We start out with these fundamentals of how to read opacity in the field at your plant:

When we finish the fundamentals of reading smoke in the field, we teach you the basic fundamentals of how to take the smoke school certification test.

1. Do not look at the smoke until you hear the word read.

2. Read the opacity at the densest part of the plume- the top of the smokestack.

3. Look at the smoke for 3 seconds, then stop looking- we may be moving the valve to go onto the next reading. Only look when you hear the word read.

4. Record the best answer in 15% intervals- 5, 10, 15, 25, etc.

5. Always keep in mind the plus or minus 15% deviation required by EPA to pass the test. Remember there is no such thing as negative smoke. If it is barely coming out, then call it a five. In your head- choose the best readings, add 15- subtract 15- choose your answer appropriately. If you choose the answer 15%, then you have covered the actual opacity from 0% to 30%. This is important- remember this. Think of this as windows on your computer. You must be in the correct window of opportunity.

6. Do not look back at the smoke until you hear the word read again.

7. Do not stare at the plume between readings- This causes optical illusions and confusion

8. Do not second guess- read it and record it- your first impression is always right. If I had listened to my momma, I would not have been married 12 times. "This girl is not right for you."

9. Never change an answer unless you have to.

Examples of optical illusions:  Click on one of my eyes.

Then we show you how to read opacity. We show the smoke school standards of 25%, 50% and 75%. We show you to memorize  what these standards look like and how to choose the best opacity answers on your answer sheet, keeping in mind the plus or minus 15% deviation required by EPA to pass the test. We show and tell you how to pass the test quickly. This is an important step. If you listen and pay attention, then you will pass the test, usually the fist time. Bring a positive attitude.

Then we let you perform the task of reading opacity with supervision. This is the smoke school practice test. We present several smoke plumes and let you choose the best answer and record it on a green practice sheet. We observe you while you are taking the practice test to make sure that you are following the correct observation fundamentals.  Then we call out the correct opacity and let you evaluate your performance. This reminds me a lot of throwing a rock at a frog on a water lillie pad in my momma's fishing pond. If you miss the frog, adjust your sights and throw again.

After all of the instructions and practice, then we present the smoke school opacity certification test. We usually finish the test within an hour and a half after we start the actual test.

An additional session starts at 12 Noon on the first day, and at 8 AM on the second day (if scheduled) of each workshop.  Most workshops are scheduled for a single day. Each test session usually lasts about an hour and a half. We grade the field test on site and you will know if you passed the test.  You are free to leave when you pass or you can attend the classroom.

You will receive excellent coaching and directions. You will pass the test. Most people pass on the first attempt. If for some reason you are having trouble, we will retake the test until you pass. If we need to run the test the next day, we will. Just remember that passing a Whitlow Smoke School test is as easy as falling off a log across a creek bank. Bring a positive altitude and a life preserver or an inner tube. Remember that a bad day at smoke school is better than a good day at work. Follow the smoke school signs to the field-test location.

Free Lunch- 1 Hour starting at 11 AM or as soon as we finish the field-test

We have a free lunch at each location on the first day of training. Usually we serve Cajun fried Mississippi or Louisiana pond raised catfish fillets. Battered and deep-fried in low cholesterol peanut oil.  They are very tasty and spicy. We may serve boiled crawfish in Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas when in season. On some occasions we may serve jambalaya or crawfish Etta fee. We always bring fresh hot coffee, lots of free soft drinks and bottled water. The lunch starts as soon as we finish the first field-test session or around 11 AM.

EPA Method 9 and 22 Classroom- 3-4 Hours- Starting on the first day at 12 Noon or as soon as we finish lunch.

 EPA recommends the classroom for all new attendees and every third year thereafter. You can take the classroom after you take the field-test. We will start the classroom as soon as lunch is finished. Usually at 12 Noon on the first day of each training session.

The classroom consists of a computer power point production lecture that includes everything you should know about compliance with visible emissions regulation. This is an open discussion classroom where you may provide input about any specific knowledge or problems you are having with compliance issues. You should bring a copy of your air quality permits. You may also bring any notices of violations that you wish to learn about.

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