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SUNBELT R E N T A L S SAFETY TRAINING TOPIC: Propane Safety We deal with many types of equipment that use propane for fuel: Forklifts,AWPS,heaters and even some of the smaller items like floor saws and welders. Anyone who fills or changes out ahil propane tank needs to be trained to do so.Training includes classroom and hands-on instruction under the supervision of the trainer.Some liquid petroleum gas(LPG)supply companies can easily conduct this training for us. rinrc�isetc � A nnr�r�G7 f ,.tt Ilii :711. There are many things to keep in mind when dealing with propane.You must know the properties :€ iIC._�71I= and the hazards associated with propane including flammability,temperature,pressures,etc. ' m I General Facts about Propane(Liquid Petroleum Gas-LPG): ' M11 '0!' ■ Propane is colorless and artificially cdorized. It is non-toxic and non-poisonous; i 'Imum t.. 31. however, high concentrations can cause asphyxiation. ME al!1111■L, II■F3■1113v�I€_ IIMERNpIf w • For efficiency,propane is stored and transported as a liquid which expands when dmd �� i■I�i■1f!� ';q heated;therefore,propane cylinders must not be filled to more than 80%thus allowing r .77!'N�'Ina FIX space for expansion. - � I • Contact with liquid propane causes severe freeze burns and can damage eyes(liquid propane looRs.liKe white og when rele-a-s-eTTo the atmosphere). Liquid propane vaporizes instantly when released from its container at normal ambient temperatures. • Escaped propane is highly flammable and explosive. Propane vapor is heavier than air so it will spread into low-lying areas such as basements,crawl spaces,and ditches,or along floors. It should be understood that air currents can sometimes carry propane vapors elsewhere within a building. • Propane is flammable when mixed with air(oxygen)and can be ignited by many sources including open flames,smoking materials, electrical sparks and static electricity. • Transporting more than 1,000 lbs of propane by vehicle requires a proper DOT Naz-Mat placard on the vehicle and appropriate Haz- Mat endorsement on the driver's CDL license. • Propane expands when heated which increases pressure in the tank. Above a certain pressure,the relief valve opens to release a small amount of pressure in the form of vapor. Once excess pressure has been released,the relief valve closes automatically, For this reason,all spare tanks and tanks not in use are to be stored outside so that released gas will dissipate into the atmosphere. ■ Tanks that are transported by vehicle must not be stored in an enclosed area(such as inside a car or in the trunk). Released gas vapors can cause the vehicle to explode with even the slightest source of ignition, • Tanks are to be stored upright with protection from being overtumed,or they are to be stored in an approved LPG storage rack(which can be obtained from your local LPG supplier). Proper signage is also required. Loose tanks,whether empty or not,shall not be left lying around. Store them where they belong-in the tank rack(s). • Overflow Protection Devices(OPD)are required on all DOT propane cylinders between 4 and 40 pounds propane capacity,per the 1998 edition.of NEPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Propane cylinders with OPDs can be identified by a triangular hand- wheel,but some earlier model cylinders were produced with a round hand-wheel with"OPD"stamped on the brass valve body. OPDs are not required on permanently mounted ASME tanks or motor fuel(forklift or AWPs)cylinders. • When refilling a container,andlor when changing tanks on propane powered equipment always use the proper PPE:safety goggles (or safety glasses and a face shield)and chemical-resistant gloves. Inspect the physical condition of the tank for cracks in the welds, significant amount of rust or large dents and/or creases. Any tank that shows any sign of failure in the connector,CPD valve,or in the tank's integrity MUST be tagged-out and removed from service immediately • TRAINING IS REQUIRED! Call your local propane I LPG supplier and ask for training to be conducted at your PC for the persons who are responsible for changing and refilling tanks. Document this training with a sign-in sheet and file in your Safety Training and Documentation Manual. Email or fax a copy to your Regional Safety Manager. Contact your Regional Safety Manager for further assistance! NO REVENUE IS WOR si r�H it iLjRY -rO ACHIEVE IT! Prepared January 2011;updated August 2013