3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage Verifying the Presence of Propane Odorant Drivers and plant unloading personnel must comply with NFPA 58 to perform documented sniff tests during transfer operations. In this module you will learn to: (1)Identify regulations pertaining to odorization (2)Use the sniff test method to verify propane odorization (3) Use alternate methods to verify propane odorization

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Propane Odorization Regulations NFPA 58 U.S. DOT regulations and NFPA 58 require that propane be odorized prior to transportation to the ultimate consumer, except when the propane will be used in a manufacturing process that requires the use of “unstenched” LP-gas. NFPA …the presence of the odorant shall be deter- mined by sniff-testing or other means and the results shall by documented as follows: (1)When the LP-Gas is delivered to a bulk plant (2)When shipments of LP-Gas bypass the bulk plant

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Propane Odorization Regulations NFPA 58 To comply with NFPA 58, drivers and plant unloading personnel should perform documented sniff tests at the time propane is received. Many companies routinely document sniff tests as part of any bulk plant transfer operation.

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 & 2 Sniff-Test Method for Verifying Odorization Protect your eyes and hands by wearing suitable gloves and goggles, or splash face shield. Technical Tip Vent only a small quantity of liquid propane. Sniff only after the vent is closed and propane liquid has vaporized. Be sure you know your company’s policies & standard operating procedures, how to document the presence of propane odorant and how to react if you have reason to believe propane is not properly odorized.

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Sniff-Test During Cargo Tank Loading Step 1:After the plant liquid transfer hose is secured on the cargo tank connection and before filling the cargo tank, briefly open and close the transfer hose end valve. Step 2:Vent a small quantity of liquid through a #54 vent and then close it. Step 3:Sniff the area immediately after the liquid vaporizes. Step 4:Verify that the product is odorized. Step 5:If you can smell propane odorant, record your sniff test on your loading ticket, daily routing report, or other company form and proceed with the loading operation.

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Sniff-Test During Cargo Tank Loading CAUTION: If you cannot smell propane odorant, some general guidelines include: 1.DO NOT load the cargo tank. 2.DISCONNECT the transfer hoses & SECURE them in their storage racks. 3.CONTACT your supervisor immediately. 4.TELL others in the area not to load until approved by the facility manager or supervisor. If your company procedures call for it, close and tag the withdrawal valves on the storage container so that it is not distributed to consumers.

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Sniff-Test Cylinder Filling Operations 1.Bulk plant personnel who operate dispensers and cylinder filling equipment should also be alert to potentially improperly odorized propane. 2.In the course of disconnecting cylinder and motor fuel tank filling adapters, sufficient liquid propane is vented to enable the operator to perform a sniff test. 3.If, at any time, the operator has reason to believe that odorant is not present in the vented propane, he or she should take the steps listed above for cargo tank loading operations.

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Alternative Methods for Verifying Odorization Other Odorization Testing Methods Stain Tubes Laboratory Tests of Liquid Samples (gas chromatography) Specialized Testing Instruments

3.5.6 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 4 & 5 Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module… Complete the Review on page 4. See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 5.