MODULE 1 Introduction to OSHA and DOT Training

Module 1 – Introduction to OSHA and DOT Training WELCOME TO INITIAL OSHA AND DOT TRAINING We’re PERC— the Propane Education & Research Council. We developed this course in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and others as part of the industry’s commitment to promote the safe and efficient use of propane gas as a preferred energy resource. The propane industry is committed to providing the highest level of service and care to its customers, employees, and the entire propane community—including you. Safety is at the heart of our commitment, and high-quality training is an essential tool for ensuring your safety and continuing success. Enjoy the course!

LESSON 1 OSHA & DOT Training

OSHA and DOT Training Introduction Propane is a trusted and reliable energy source used by millions of Americans every day. This natural, clean- burning gas is widely used in homes, on farms and in commercial and industrial settings. However, because of its chemical nature and flammability as a gas, it can under certain circumstances pose a safety risk. This course is designed to help you learn how to safely handle and transport propane, as well as other materials you may work with. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have developed regulations and requirements for the safe use of propane. This training is designed to instruct you on those OSHA and DOT regulations and requirements. There may be additional state and municipal regulations and requirements you must follow. Your company is responsible for providing you with training for these in addition to specific safety practices related to your job.

OSHA and DOT Training Introduction, cont. After completing this module, you will be able to: Identify OSHA and DOT’s role in creating regulations and requirements pertaining to hazardous materials. Recognize the OSHA and DOT regulations and requirements you and your employer are responsible for following.

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Overview OSHA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is responsible for setting standards to promote and enforce employee safety in the workplace. OSHA communicates safe work practices for handling hazardous chemicals in the propane industry through the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), found in Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §1910. This standard requires employers to provide information and training on hazards one may be exposed to while on the job. Your responsibility as an employee is to complete this training and follow these instructions as well as your company’s policies and procedures at all times. OSHA's HCS addresses five key areas: Chemical Inventory. Material Safety Data Sheets or (MSDSs). Labeling. Information and Training. The Written Program.

OSHA Hazardous Materials Training Requirements OSHA requires you to be trained on how to work with hazardous chemicals before actually working with them. Your company has developed a training program identifying the specific training each employee will receive. At a minimum, this training must include: Methods to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals. Information regarding physical health hazards of the chemicals in your workplace. Ways you can protect yourself from these hazards. Your employer’s hazard communication program.

OSHA Hazardous Materials Training Requirements, cont. Your employer must also provide you with: A list of hazardous chemicals you work with (also called a Chemical Inventory). Information on how to obtain and use an MSDS. An explanation of your company’s labeling system. Safe work procedures and guidelines. Information on workplace hazards. Emergency response procedures. Information about any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for your job.

OSHA Hazardous Materials Training Requirements, cont. You will be trained when you are first hired and again when a new hazard is introduced into your work environment. Periodically, your company will evaluate its training program to make sure it is both current and still applicable. After this evaluation, the training program may be revised and refresher training given when necessary. Your company will also provide you with emergency training based on OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan requirements. These topics will be covered in greater detail later in this course.

DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations Overview The DOT created the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to govern transportation of hazardous materials and pipeline shipments. These regulations are called the Hazardous Materials Regulations and are located in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Hazardous Materials Regulations are designed to improve the safety of hazardous materials in transport by providing requirements all companies must follow. The HMR addresses the following: How hazardous materials are classified. How to use the Hazardous Materials Table (Hazmat Table). When shipping papers are required. How hazardous materials are identified and packaged. What guidelines and procedures are required to safely handle and transport hazardous materials.

DOT Training Requirements DOT requires training to ensure employees can safely load, unload, handle, store, and transport hazardous materials. This will include training in the following areas: General Awareness/Familiarization Training: Lists the HMR requirements and enables you to recognize and identify hazardous materials. Function-Specific Training: Focuses on regulations that apply specifically to your job, including tasks performed under exemptions or special permits. Safety Training: Provides emergency response information and measures to protect you from hazards in the workplace, as well as procedures to help avoid accidents and incidents.

DOT Training Requirements, cont. Security Awareness Training: Discusses security risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and methods for identifying and reporting potential threats. In-Depth Security Training: Addresses your company’s security objectives and procedures, as well as respective roles within the company to comply with federal requirements. In addition to regulatory and industry-related training, you must know and follow your company’s specific policies and procedures.

Additional DOT Training Requirements Before performing tasks regulated by the HMR, you must be fully trained on your specific job tasks. You have 90 days to complete this training. Your employer is responsible for certifying this training has taken place and keeping a record of that training on file. During this time, you may not perform any safety-sensitive function without the direct supervision of a qualified employee. If you received training from a previous employer and have the proper documentation to support this, you may have already satisfied at least some of your training requirements. Your current employer will make this determination. Federal law requires you to repeat hazardous materials training at least once every three years, or sooner under circumstances that are specified by the HMR. Never attempt to perform a work operation until you have been provided with proper training, resources, and equipment to do so.

Completing Your Training At the end of each module in this course, you will be quizzed on what you have learned. If you successfully pass the quiz, your supervisor or instructor will sign the certificate and keep it on file as proof of your training. In addition to OSHA and DOT hazardous materials safety training, you may receive hands-on training by your employer consistent with your company’s policies and procedures. Your company is required to keep records of all training you successfully complete. Ultimately, it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. By understanding and following all the safety requirements and procedures specific to your job, you will be doing your part to protect not only yourself, but those you work with and the customers you serve.

Discovery: The Roles of OSHA & DOT Review OSHA and DOT’s role in creating safety regulations and requirements, as well as the responsibility that belongs to all employees in the propane industry to see that they are followed. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Establishes and enforces regulations based on the safe transportation of both hazardous and nonhazardous materials, which can be found in Title 49 CFR. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  Regulates and enforces the distribution of hazardous materials delivered via piping systems. Example: Jurisdictional Systems Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  Regulates and enforces as it applies to the over-the-road transportation of goods, including hazardous materials. Examples: Hours-of-Service and Commercial Driver License (CDL) requirements.

Discovery: The Roles of OSHA & DOT, cont. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Establishes and enforces regulations aimed at safety and health in the workplace. These regulations can be found in Title 29 CFR.  Examples: Hazard communication and PPE rules. The Propane Industry The Propane industry is required to follow DOT and OSHA federal regulations, where applicable. Understanding and complying with the requirements of Title 49 CFR and Title 29 CFR help protect you, your co-workers, your customers, and the general public from potential hazards.

MODULE 1 QUIZ See page 13 of student guide for Module 1 quiz.