Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems INTRODUCTION Course Overview and Objectives

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Welcome Welcome to Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems, which focuses primarily on designing and installing the exterior portions of a vapor distribution system for both residential and small commercial markets. This course has been developed in partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and other industry experts to promote the safe and efficient use of propane as a preferred energy resource. The propane industry is committed to providing the highest level of safety and service to its customers, employees, and the entire propane community. Safety is at the heart of our commitment, and high- quality training is an essential tool for ensuring your safety and continuing success.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Safety Mission Safety is an industry-wide responsibility that extends to everyone who handles propane. The more you know about dispensing, storing, and using propane the more you help reduce the risk of accidents. Each of us in the propane industry can contribute to a shared mission by doing all we can to increase public confidence in the safety and value of propane. Safety Goals To fully achieve this safety mission, the propane industry has established five critical goals:  Reduce accidents and incidents.  Improve safety awareness.  Increase consumer confidence.  Strengthen propane employees’ skills and knowledge.  Improve regulatory compliance.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Who Should Take This Course? Since safety and reliability are everyone’s business, employees throughout the propane industry will find this training useful, and perhaps even life saving. This course is designed to train:  Installation and service personnel  Sales personnel  Managers and supervisors The information, learning activities, and quizzes are designed to help field personnel handle propane. However all personnel in the propane industry will gain a basic overview of key concepts and safety strategies for working with propane.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Purpose The purpose of this course is to provide current information, practices, and procedures to safely and efficiently design and install exterior components for residential and small commercial propane vapor distribution systems. This course is designed to be both a learning resource and a career development tool. Additionally, this course will help prepare you for NPGA’s CETP certification.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Objectives After completing this course, you will be able to:  Properly determine an effective system load.  Identify factors affecting selection of a properly-sized container.  Select and install an appropriate container for a vapor distribution system.  Identify requirements for establishing a container location.  Identify how to properly select, size, and install pipe and tubing for a vapor distribution system.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Objectives (cont.)  Explain how to analyze and prevent corrosion.  Identify the steps to sizing, selecting, and installing regulators.  Describe how to properly select and install a vapor meter.  Discuss primary special installations that correspond with a vapor distribution system.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Format Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems is divided into nine modules, each with one or more lessons. Each module includes:  Up-to-date information, procedures, and regulations; effective as of the date of publication.  Interactive learning activities to apply your knowledge.  Questions to check for understanding.  End-of-module quiz.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Resources and References: Codes Many agencies of the federal government play major roles in developing regulations, codes, and standards to ensure the safe transportation, storage, handling, and use of propane, including:  The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Resources and References: Codes (cont.) Each of these organizations develops regulations, codes, or standards referenced throughout this course. Here are the two of the most common references used in these lessons:  NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code: This publication provides standards for the installation of fuel gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and related accessories.  Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): This government resource contains all of the federal rules and regulations that apply to the propane industry. This course references various federal regulations, including those developed by the DOT governing the construction of cylinders and the safe transportation of propane. Always check with your supervisor to determine all of the safety codes that apply to your job responsibilities. As a general rule, it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using products.

Lesson 1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems Course Resources and References: Handbooks The NFPA 54 handbook helps explain new codes within the industry and provide commentary that brings the legalistic language of the code to life. The handbook can be used to help company managers, supervisors, and you apply the new code requirements on the job. The references to NFPA 54 and other codes and standards, are included in this training to:  Increase your awareness of these important resources.  Provide a general overview of how these codes and standards govern your work.  Show you how these codes and standards relate to concepts presented in the training.  Provide background for you to better understand rules and regulations at your place of work.  Familiarize you with code that can be used as resources during your certification test.