(a) The board may allow a period of up to six (6) months for the replacement of a certified operator whose services have been lost by death, illness or other unusual events.
(b) Further extensions of thirty (30) days, up to a total of one hundred eighty (180) additional days, may be granted if deemed necessary by the board.
(c) A system shall notify the board in writing within thirty (30) days of the loss of certified operator(s).