BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Bobtail Delivery Operations 1

BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS MODULE 1 Introduction to Bobtail Delivery Operations

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Welcome to Bobtail Delivery Operations We’re PERC—the Propane Education & Research Council. We developed this course in partnership with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) 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 industry wants to provide 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 your continuing success. Enjoy the course! 3

BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS LESSON 1 Course Overview and Objectives 4

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Safety Mission Safety is an industry-wide responsibility that extends to anyone who handles propane. Your knowledge about dispensing, storing, and using propane greatly diminishes the risk of accidents. The propane industry is building its safety mission by continuing to increase public confidence about the safety and value of propane. Safety Goals To fully achieve its safety mission, the propane industry has established these five critical goals: Reduce accidents and incidents Improve safety awareness Increase consumer confidence Strengthen the skills and knowledge of propane employees Improve regulatory compliance 5

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Who Should Take This Course? This course provides information for drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles to deliver propane. It provides information, practices, and procedures that support many general delivery tasks. This course is primarily designed to train employees who operate a bobtail, the most common vehicle used for transporting and delivering propane to individual customers. Other propane employees who could benefit from particular sections of this course include:  Installation personnel and service technicians  Managers and utility workers  Other commercial motor vehicle drivers 6

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Course Purpose and Objectives Purpose The purpose of this course is to provide you with current information, practices, and procedures to safely and efficiently deliver propane to your customers using a bobtail. The content includes information bobtail drivers need to perform their job duties responsibly and will also prepare you for NPGA’s CETP certification or your company’s certifications. In Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery (modules 1-6), you learned basic procedures to safely and efficiently deliver propane, regardless of the type of vehicle you operate. Completing the appropriate Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery modules and all of Bobtail Delivery Operations will better prepare you for certification to operate a bobtail to deliver propane. 7

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Course Purpose and Objectives cont. Objectives After completing this course, you will be able to:  Explain the purpose and functions of bobtail features and equipment  Identify the procedures for loading a bobtail using a plant pump  Describe bobtail inspection procedures  Identify the features of ASME tanks and procedures for examining containers and installations prior to transferring propane  Identify procedures for unloading a bobtail at a customer location  Identify procedures for injecting methanol into propane containers  List procedures for evacuating ASME tanks 8

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Course Format Bobtail Delivery Operations is divided into six modules, each containing several lessons. Each module includes:  Current and accurate information, procedures, and regulations  Learning activities to apply your knowledge  One question check for understandings  End-of-module quiz You may choose to complete the entire course at one sitting or over several sessions, completing a single module or lesson at a time. Choose what works best for you and work at your own pace to complete the content, learning activities, and quizzes. Also, feel free to complete the end-of-module quizzes at any time to test your knowledge of the material. 9

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Course Resources and References: Codes Below is an overview of the organizations referenced throughout this course that develop regulations and standards for safely handling and delivering propane. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Develops manufacturing standards for tanks and pressure relief valves. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Publishes numerous standards for the propane industry, including:  NFPA 54: Provides minimum standards for installing gas piping and appliances in residential and commercial buildings.  NFPA 58: Provides minimum standards for storing, handling, transporting, and using propane. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Establishes and maintains 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), which contains all of the federal rules and regulations that apply to commercial motor vehicles and the transportation of propane in commerce. 49 CFR also regulates the construction and inspection of propane cylinders. 10 MORE

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Course Resources and References: Codes cont. 11

LESSON 1 BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS Summary Some important points to remember from this module are:  This course has been developed by PERC, in collaboration with NPGA and others, to increase the level of safety and reduce accidents throughout the propane industry.  The primary audience for this course is propane delivery drivers who operate bobtails.  Completing modules 1-6 of Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery and this course will better prepare you for certification to operate a bobtail.  Several organizations that develop industry-wide regulations, including ASME, NFPA, and DOT are referenced throughout this course. 12