Propane Safety Scenarios

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Propane Safety Scenarios
 
Are your Employees Ready To Answer Customer Calls about Gas Leaks?

Your customer service representatives should take any customer complaints about gas odors seriously. The odors could indicate a propane leak. By applying company policies and procedures when those calls come in, your employees can help protect your customers, your employees, and the public from the hazards caused by escaping gas.

Click here to preview CETP E-Learning training for employees who receive customer reports about gas odors, suspected leaks, and service interruptions.

Click here to download the sample customer report form.
 
Do Your Drivers Understand Gauges?
Can your bobtail drivers read the gauges that tell them the level of liquid in a container as they fill it? They can if they have the right training from CETP E-Learning. Click here to see and listen to a learning activity about connections, valves, and gauges for bobtail delivery drivers (audio playback starts right away). Click here to download a page from the CETP textbook on connections, valves, and gauges.
 
Do Your Bobtails Have Meter Creep?
A meter creep test is designed to verify that a cargo tank’s internal valves will close when the emergency discharge control equipment is activated and that there is no detectable leakage through the valves in the closed position. A meter creep test should be part of your regular bobtail inspection. Click here to download a step-by-step guide to meter creep tests. Click here to watch and listen to a preview of a CETP E-Learning activity about meter creep tests (audio playback starts right away).
 

Leak Checks: Why, When, and Types
High Pressure Using a High Pressure Gauge

Leak checks determine if the propane piping system is suitable for service and must be performed on the vapor distribution piping system immediately after turning on the gas in a new gas system or a system that has been restored after an interruption of service. If leakage is indicated, shut off the gas until the necessary repairs have been made.

As opposed to a pressure test, a leak check includes the piping system connected to the appliance(s).

The type of testing instrument used in performing a leak check depends on the type of leak check being performed.

For a high pressure leak check, the testing instrument is placed after the first stage regulator and before the second stage regulator. This test usually uses a 30 psi gauge.

Click here to preview CETP E-Learning Propane Delivery Operations & Cylinder Delivery to see how a high pressure gauge can be used to conduct a high pressure leak check. You can also click here to download in a text format.

 
Low Pressure: Using a Magnehelic Gauge

Leak checks determine if the propane piping system is suitable for service and must be performed on the vapor distribution piping system immediately after turning on the gas in a new gas system or a system that has been restored after an interruption of service.
If leakage is indicated, shut off the gas until the necessary repairs have been made.

As opposed to a pressure test, a leak check includes the piping system connected to the appliance(s).

The type of testing instrument used in performing a leak check depends on the type of leak check being performed.

For a low pressure leak check, the testing instrument is placed into the low pressure system (1/2) lb pressure or less) at or after the integral 2 stage regulator or at or after the second stage regulator. The test instrument is subject to low pressure because the regulators have already dropped the pressure in the system.

Low pressure leak tests may be accomplished using a water manometer or magnehelic gauge.

Click here to preview CETP E-Learning Propane Delivery Operations & Cylinder Delivery to see how a magnehelic gauge can be used to conduct a low pressure leak check. You can also click here to download in a text format.

 
Roadside Stop: Part 1 - DOT Licensing and Driver Requirements

Drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to deliver propane must meet all of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Licensing and driving requirements. Before driving a CMV, employees must obtain there commercial driver’s license (CDL) and additional required endorsements from their state driving agency. Propane delivery vehicle drivers must also be aware of other driving requirements and restrictions, including rules prohibiting drug and alcohol use.

A road side stop performed by highway enforcement personnel is a bad time to test your knowledge of the rules.

Click here to preview the CETP E-Learning Delivery Operations & Cylinder Delivery road side stop scenario of bobtail driver pulled over by law enforcement for probable cause.

You can also click here to view the same learning activity in a text/PDF format.
 
Roadside Stop: Part 2 - Vehicle Inspection, Identification, and Documentation

Regular vehicle inspections and proper maintenance are critical for operating propane vehicles safely and efficiently. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires propane delivery drivers to inspect their vehicles and document all maintenance before driving on public highways. Drivers must also be able to verify proper vehicle identification such as placards, shipping labels and data plates, and required vehicle documentation.

A road side stop performed by highway enforcement personnel is a bad time to test your knowledge of the rules.

Click here to preview the CETP E-Learning Delivery Operations & Cylinder Delivery road side stop scenario of a bobtail driver pulled over by law enforcement for probable cause.

You can also click here to view the same learning activity in a text/PDF format.
 
Features of Vehicle Mounted ASME Tanks

Motor and mobile fuel tanks have a lot of features in common, and the increase in use of propane as a motor and engine fuel requires a good working knowledge of the many factors associated with this subject. Among those are the features of vehicle mounted ASME tanks that include:

  1. Data Plate and/or Cylinder Markings
  2. Fixed Maximum Liquid Level Gauge
  3. Float Gauge
  4. Liquid Service Valve
  5. Relief Valve
  6. Stop Fill/Auto Stop Valves
  7. Valve and fitting Enclosures

Click here to preview the CETP E-Learning Propane Delivery Operations & Cylinder Delivery Learning Activity on the “Features of Vehicle Mounted ASME Tanks”.

You can also click here to view the same learning activity in a text/PDF format.
 
Understanding Bulk Plant Tank Connections, Valves, and Gauges
 

The propane bulk plant is a specialized and complex facility where large quantities of propane are received, stored and prepared for delivery, where several tanks of various sizes may be installed depending on the needs of retailers and customers.

Bulk plants tanks have several valves and gauges installed in either end, and in the top and bottom of the tank.

It is important that those responsible for operating and maintaining bulk tanks understand the location and of the valves and gauges, as well as their purposes.

With the proper education and training, new plant operators can effectively understand these critical functions and become valued employees.

Click here to preview the CETP E-Learning Basic Principles & Practices Learning Activity on Bulk Storage Plants.

You can also click here to view the same learning activity in a text/PDF format.