Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation MODULE 12 Safety Information

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Introduction In this module you will learn about the various safety messages provided in the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) consumer safety information and how to respond to a propane emergency. After completing this module, you will be able to:  Identify the content in some of the PERC consumer safety materials.  Identify what to do if there is an uncontrolled release of propane from stating evacuation procedures to providing appropriate information to

Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation LESSON 1 Customer Safety 3

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Introduction Safety brochures and decals can communicate specific warnings about propane and actions that your customer can take, or should avoid, in an actual or suspected propane emergency. Make sure you understand your company’s policies on providing and explaining safety information to your customers and be familiar with any safety warning materials your company provides. 4

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Introduction (cont.) After completing this lesson, you will be able to:  Identify the safety warnings provided in the Propane Education & Research Council consumer safety materials. 5

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Propane Safety Brochures The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) provides customer information and safety warning materials that may be distributed to consumers by individual marketers in accordance with their company policies. Propane Odorant Smell Simulation PERC materials include a scratch-and-sniff feature that simulates the smell of propane odorant. This is to help familiarize and remind customers of the smell of propane odorant, which could indicate a propane leak. These materials also cover how a customer should respond to the smell of propane odorant and how to turn off the propane supply at containers. 6

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Propane Safety Brochures (cont.) Carbon Monoxide and Customer Safety To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, PERC materials provide facts on carbon monoxide, steps to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and explanations as to what to do if a customer suspects the presence of carbon monoxide in the home or workplace. Other Safety Information In addition to this safety information, PERC provides other consumer safety warnings, including other safety brochures, container shutoff valve labels, hazard warning tags, and safety tips of using propane grills. Some marketers also have their own consumer safety materials they may use to provide their customers with propane safety information. Check with your supervisor to verify your company’s policy regarding this information. 7

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Propane Safety Brochures (cont.) 8

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Decals In addition to the decals and labels that local, state, and federal regulations require, you can place decals on a customer’s container that provide safety information. One such safety- related decal is a container shutoff valve label that warns the customer not to open a service valve that has been turned off for any reason. If your company places a decal on its containers with a 24-hour emergency number, point it out to your customer and encourage them to keep the number inside where they can easily refer to it in a suspected propane emergency. 9

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Shutting Off Propane Flow: Demonstration Show your customer how to shut off the flow of propane. Different installations have different points where the flow of propane may be shut off, for example, the container service valves, manual shutoff valves, and primary shutoff valves. Turning off the gas at the container will immediately stop the flow of gas and thus greatly reduce the potential for fire or explosion. The customer should also be instructed, in the event of an emergency, not to enter the building or structure until the gas company or emergency personnel state it is safe to do so. 10

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Shutting Off Propane Flow: Demonstration (cont.) Tell your customer to close all valves, if it is safe to do so, when:  They smell odorant or suspect a leak in or around the building.  Flooding is predicted for their area. They should turn off the gas valve at the cylinder or tank before the water rises.  Something doesn’t look right after a storm. If their tank has shifted position, gas lines are bent, broken or damaged, or they see something else unusual about their system or appliance. Tell your customer to contact their propane retailer or a qualified service technician to conduct a leak check before the propane is turned on, and to re-light the pilot lights. In the event of water or storm damage, a qualified service technician will need to inspect the entire propane system and clean, repair, or replace components, as necessary, for safe operation. 11

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Emergency Numbers If your customer suspects a propane leak, the presence of carbon monoxide, or another propane emergency, they should evacuate their home or office. They should call your company’s 24-hour emergency telephone number (or 911) from another, safe location. If a company decal with a 24-hour emergency telephone number is placed on a customer-owned or leased container, point that number out to your customer as well. If your company’s 24-hour emergency telephone number is not on a decal, provide that number when you are reviewing safety precautions with your customer before you leave. 12

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Safety Precautions Explain maintenance and safety precautions to your customer. Specifically, tell your customer that:  The area within 10 ft of the container must be clear of loose or piled combustible materials, for example, rags, firewood, or hay. There should be no high grass or weeds within 10 ft of the container.  Sources of ignition must be kept at least 10 ft from containers, for example, gas lights, lamps, power tools, or barbecue grills.  Sources of ignition must be kept at least 5 ft from second-stage regulators.  Regulators and meters should be protected from physical damage. 13

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Documenting Customer Communications You should keep detailed, written records of your interactions with each of your customers. If you present safety information personally to your customers, you should always note it. If your customer is not available to personally receive safety information from you, refer to your company policy or contact your supervisor for instruction on what to do. If your company has special forms for documenting your interaction with customers, use them. If not, you can note these interactions on a service work order, delivery ticket, or route card. Specifically describe in your notes the information that you provided, including the date you provided the information. 14

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Documenting Customer Communications (cont.) Ask your customer to sign your documentation. If your customer refuses to sign, note this in your paperwork. Your customer notes should be kept for future reference as needed. By keeping detailed notes, you will be better able to provide superior customer service. 15

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Check for Understanding Let’s take a moment to check how well you understand the information presented in this lesson. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is responsible for providing your customer with propane safety information. a.True b.False 16

Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Lesson 2 Uncontrolled Propane Release 17

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Introduction Propane is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when properly used. Its safety record is due in part to the codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the NFPA. Being properly trained and adhering to your company’s policies greatly help prevent propane emergencies. However, you should be prepared for emergency situations that may arise. This lesson identifies steps to take in an uncontrolled propane release. In addition to the information in this lesson, make sure you understand your company’s policies regarding emergency response to a propane incident. The PERC publication “Propane Emergencies, 3 rd Edition” was written for emergency responders and has valuable information for propane marketers on coordinating with emergency responders prior to an emergency. 18

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Introduction (cont.) After completing this lesson you will be able to:  Identify what to do if there is an uncontrolled release of propane.  Identify how to encourage people to safely evacuate the scene of an emergency. and  Identify information that must be provided to 911 or other emergency response operators in the event of an emergency. 19

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation What is an Uncontrolled Release of Propane? For purposes of this course, an uncontrolled release of propane is one that cannot be readily shut off. Causes may include an open valve, open or damaged container component, piping failure, or container breach. An uncontrolled release of propane liquid or vapor could lead to an explosion, fire, or other emergency situation. A propane-related emergency can occur anywhere propane is present; for example, at a residence, business, bulk plant, or en route to a location. NOTE: Never attempt to respond to any emergency unless you have been properly trained to do so. 20

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Who is an Emergency Responder? Emergency response personnel are specially trained to provide resources for fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical triage, basic first aid, treatment, and transportation. They implement assigned tasks, provide support to specialized units, and help coordinate overall response efforts. Emergency responders include firefighters, HAZMAT crews, and emergency medical technicians. Because emergency responders undergo rigorous, specialized training, they are the only personnel who are qualified to provide leadership in emergency involving propane. 21

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation What to Do In the Event of an Emergency In the event of a propane emergency, you should always place personal safety first. This means you should:  Evacuate the area immediately.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Call for help. Let’s examine each of these in detail. 22

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Evacuate the Affected Area If there is a propane emergency, everyone in the building, or area affected by the emergency, should:  Leave the area immediately.  Evacuate to a safe distance from a spill or leak. You should be at least 330 ft away in all directions, and for larger spills 1 mile in all directions.  Evacuees should stay upwind of the emergency.  Remain calm. 23

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Be Aware of Your Surroundings If you have an uncontrolled release of propane, do not enter or re-enter a hazardous environment. When evacuating, if you can, try to:  Identify the source of the leak.  Check for sources of ignition. and shut them off if you can do so without placing yourself or anyone in danger.  Note the wind direction. This information may be helpful to emergency responders, so safely gather whatever information you can. 24

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Be Aware of Your Surroundings (cont.) Also, if you can do so safely, try to collect other technical information, such as the location and type of container involved, the amount of material present, and the location of shutoff valves. Follow your company policy regarding evacuations. Next, call for help from a safe distance and outside of a hazardous environment. 25

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Call for Help After you are at a safe distance from the affected area, call 911. You should also notify your supervisor as soon as you can. When you call 911, be ready to provide the following information:  Your name.  Your company’s name.  The address of the emergency location.  Your contact information, such as a cell phone number or a phone number nearby. And any obvious injuries needing immediate attention. 26

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Call for Help (cont.) A brief summary of the emergency. For example: Is there a leak, and if so where? What kind of container is on site, and what size is it? Is the area densely populated or rural? Has anyone been injured, and if so how many and to what extent? 27

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Call for Help (cont) After you call for help:  Do not endanger yourself or others.  Assign someone to meet and direct emergency response units to the scene.  Call back from a safe distance if the situation changes before emergency responders arrive.  Stay away from any unknown materials, such as unknown chemicals at industrial plants. NOTE: Remember, any uncontrolled release of propane can be extremely dangerous. If you suspect an emergency, immediately evacuate the area and call for help. 28

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation When Help Arrives Once the emergency response team arrives, do not interfere. They may ask you about certain physical and chemical properties of propane, and to assess hazards and identify risks. They may ask you to provide other information, such as the location and type of container involved, the amount of material present, and the location of shutoff valves. If you have this information, you should provide it. If not, you should tell them you don’t know. 29

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Post Event Actions After an emergency has been resolved, there may be an official investigation. You could be interviewed as part of the investigation. You should support this effort in accordance with your company policy. Many marketers designate spokespersons who are authorized to address the news media. If you are not authorized to speak to news media on behalf of your company, you should refer all media inquires to your company management. 30

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Module Summary Here are some important points for you to remember: After installation of a vapor distribution system is completed, give your customer safety brochures, decals, and specific warnings about propane. Make sure you understand your company’s policies on providing and explaining safety information to your customers and be familiar with any safety warning materials your company provides. Show your customers how to shut off the flow of propane and conduct a sniff test. Customers should also be instructed to evacuate if they suspect a leak and not to enter any structure until the gas company or emergency personnel say it is safe to do so. 31

LESSON 2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Module Summary (cont.) Propane is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel. However, because it is flammable, emergency situations can and do arise. You should never attempt to respond to any emergency unless you have been properly trained to do so. In the event of an emergency, you should evacuate the area, be aware of your surroundings, and call for help. You should also notify your supervisor as soon as it is safe to do so. 32