3.6

1. 3.6 Performing Railcar Product Transfers

2. CETP Program Disclaimer • Consult local jurisdictions for applicable codes, standard • and legal requirements • This material is not an exhaustive treatment of the subject • and does not preclude other procedures to enhance safe • LP-gas operations • This publication is not intended nor should it be construed • to • Set forth procedures which are the general custom or • practice in the propane industry • Establish the legal standards of care owed by • propane distributors to their customers • Prevent the reader from using different methods to • implement applicable codes, standards or legal require- • ments.

3. CETP Program Disclaimer • This training material was designed to be used as a • resource only and does not replace federal, state, local, • or company safety rules. • The user of this material is solely responsible for the • method of implementation. • The Propane Education and Research Council, the • National Propane Gas Association and Industrial Training • Services, Inc. assume no liability for reliance on the • contents of this training material. • Issuance of this material is not intended to nor should it be • construed as an undertaking to perform services on be- • half of any party either for their protection or for the • protection of third parties.

4. Learning Aids—These margin notes are provided to help you identify sources, take precautions, or give guidance on your job. Symbols Warning: Important precaution that you should always remember when performing the identified task. Tools: This task requires special tools or procedures. PPE: This is a task that requires personal protection equipment. Paper Work or Forms: This task should be documented on your company’s forms for compliance or legal reasons. Safety Procedure: For your safety special precautions and safety guidelines apply to this task or operation of equipment. Company S.O.P. : Follow your company’s Standard Operating Practices (or Procedures). Ifyou’re not sure of your company’s policy, check with your supervisor.

5. Electrical Hazard: This task involves an electrical hazard. Lockout and Tagout procedures must be followed. Explosive/Fire Hazard: This task involves a fire or explosion hazard. Use appropriate precautions. Lockout and Tagout procedures may apply. Technical Tips: This technique may be very useful as you do a task. Technical Tip The National Fire Protection Association: References to sections of the LP-Gas Codes and Standards. NFPA 54 Or NFPA 58 U.S. Department of Transportation: DOT has regulatory authority, both interstate and intrastate, over the transportation of hazardous materials. References to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. Department of Labor: (OSHA) administers federal employee safety and health regulations.

6. 3.6.1 Identifying Personal Protective Equipment Used in Propane Operations Propane transfer operations involve moving product from one storage container to another. Transfer procedures and methods will vary based upon the type of container involved, container design and construction and location of the container. Therefore, it is very important to follow the proper safety practices during a propane transfer operation, including the use of PPE. • In this module you will learn to identify: • Hazards associated with handling and transferring propane • Personal protective equipment used in transferring propane

7. Hazards Associated With Propane Transfer • OSHA safety standards for employees and recognized safety principles, call for identifying and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when the hazards associated with a task or operation cannot be eliminated or fully controlled through the use of: • Processes engineering, and/or • Process management controls

8. Hazards Associated With Propane Transfer • Hazards associated with the handling and transfer of propane are: • Chemical hazards • Propane is highly flammable and presents risk of fire. • Although not toxic, under certain conditions, it can present a danger by displacing oxygen required for breathing. • Methanol, which may be used in the transfer operation, is toxic. • Electrical Hazards — Prevention of ignition is accomplished by the installation of properly selected electrical equipment and wiring. Electrical wiring must be installed in accordance with NFPA 70.

9. Hazards Associated With Propane Transfer Mechanical hazards— Propane is stored and transferred under pressure—failure of transfer equipment can result in exposure to transfer hose whipping, flying parts, or propelled product under pressure. Temperature hazards— Exposure of bodily tissues to liquid propane results in a refrigerating effect, causing immediate freezing of tissues with symptoms similar to extreme frostbite.

10. The most commonly used PPE is designed to protect the hands and eyes. Your company may require the use of additional PPE. Always verify and follow your company’s policies and procedures regarding the use of personal protective equipment PPE Used During Propane Transfer

11. PPE Used During Propane Transfer Hand Protection— Proper fit of protective gloves is important because they should not be overly tight-fitting and should be easy to remove if they become filled or saturated with liquid propane. Foot Protection— Safety shoes may be required for propane cylinder delivery personnel and service technicians since they provide protection when handling heavy cylinders, equipment and materials . Head Protection— Hard hats may be mandatory when making propane deliveries at construction sites.

12. PPE Used During Propane Transfer

13. PPE Used During Propane Transfer Hearing Protection Figure 3. Ear Plugs Figure 4. Acoustical Ear Muff Attachment on Hard Hat

14. Safety Guideline—If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone less than two feet away, you and other workers in the area need hearing protection. PPE Used During Propane Transfer Hearing Protection

15. PPE Used During Propane Transfer Work Clothing for Working with Flammables and Combustibles • Clothing made of natural fiber such as cotton or wool may provide more protection in the event of fire than do non-flame retardant synthetic fibers. • Long-sleeved shirts and jackets provide more protection than short-sleeved garments. • Some manufacturers of work clothing and outer garments sew warning labels into their outerwear to identify fabrics not considered suitable for work around flammables. • Some gas processors require transport drivers and loading operators to wear flame retardant jump suits when making product transfers within their facilities.

16. 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.