MODULE 1

1. MODULE 1 Course Introduction

2. LESSON 1 Course Overview and Objectives

3. Welcome Welcome to Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation, which focuses primarily on the checks and tests required when installing new piping and regulators or restoring service to an existing vapor distribution system. This course will instruct you on the specific steps in these important tests and checks. 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.

4. Welcome (cont.) 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. Let’s get started!

5. 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.

6. 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 systems.

7. Course Purpose The purpose of this course is to provide current information, practices, and procedures to safely and efficiently place vapor distribution systems and appliances into operation. 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.

8. Course Objectives After completing this course, you will be able to: • Identify the different vapor distribution system and appliance checks and tests and recognize the steps to perform them. • Explain the general procedure for placing a vapor distribution system into operation and when to make the final connection to turn on the system. • Identify how to validate container, pipe and tubing, regulator, and vapor meter installations. • Understand the importance of proper venting, combustion air, and purging.

9. Course Objectives (cont.) • Identify appliance controls and safety devices and understand their purpose. • Understand the basic characteristics of burning propane to include the components of a burner, air adjustments, and flame abnormalities. • Understand the importance of communicating customer safety information.

10. Course Format Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation is divided into twelve 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.

11. 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)

12. Course Resources and References: Codes (cont.) Each of these organizations develops regulations, codes, or standards referenced throughout this course. Here is the most common reference used: • 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. Alwayscheck 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.

13. Course Resources and References: Handbooks The NFPA 54 handbook helps explain codes within the industry and provide commentary that bring 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 codes that can be used as resources during your certification test.