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20 DECEMBER 2016 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com of propane, the effects of temperature and pressure in propane containers, how the different pressures in a propane system are utilized, what a flame looks like at different pressures in a standard propane system; and some examples of new appliances or devices a firefighter may encounter in fighting a fire in a residence or busi- ness. Outside demonstrations focus on low pressure, high pressure, tank pressure and liquid propane releases. The firematic portion of the class includes demonstrations of proper water disbursement on metal surfaces, the effects of heat on metal surfaces, videos of actual propane incidents; and proper procedures for addressing propane leaks and incidents. The initial course does not cost the student anything. The intent is to get local firefighters familiarized with the basics of propane. "Since Dave was a career firefighter and training officer, and is currently the chairman of the Fire Science Department at DCC, he teaches the firefighting strategy and tactics necessary to contain propane fires, as well as the importance of stopping the flow of gas," Muellerleile says. Walsh stresses that propane marketers should be well-versed in the potential hazards associated with propane. Emergency services personnel only get called when something goes wrong, Walsh says, and when something goes wrong it is usually because somebody has done wrong. "Our program is aimed at emergency response personnel but can certainly be beneficial to folks in the propane industry," Walsh says. "Every fire department should be on a first-name basis with their local propane dealers. Three o'clock in the morning is never a good time to meet somebody and history has proven that joint ventures—before something goes wrong—can be critical to the successful mitigation of an incident." As Walsh explains, anybody who either works with or uses propane, like any fuel, should be knowledgeable in "what can go wrong if…" "Ideally, if they don't already, the propane professionals can include, with any installation, a review with the owner or occupants of what 'not to do,'" Walsh says. "And during this interaction it would be beneficial to all if they also could include a discussion of the importance of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and flammable gas detectors, even though the law does not require the flame gas detectors." Fuel marketers—and those who are new to using propane— also can take a three-day emergency response course offered by the New York Propane Gas Association at the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls, N.Y. The three-day course is approxi- mately $175, which includes room and board for the three days in Montour Falls. According to Muellerleile, in this program students get an in-depth education regarding propane safety. The course is based upon a program called "Propane Emergencies," which was for- mulated and funded by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). "At the conclusion of the course, graduates have the opportu- nity to be listed on a state wide emergency call list, which allows them to assist their local fire departments in the event they are called out for a propane emergency," Muellerleile says. The initial certification is good for three years, and the student must be recerti- fied every three years to remain current." While propane safety basics usually only take about two hours to learn, periodic refreshers are beneficial and, in terms of emer- gency responders, are required by OSHA. The administration's 29CFR1910.120 regulates all aspects of emergency response— everything from various levels of response or actions up through specific requirements for the fire officer in charge of any hazardous material incident. "These requirements are both for initial qualification as well as annual refresher requirements," Walsh says. "Any person involved in an emergency hazardous materials incident must meet these requirements. Also, as any gas leak is classified as a hazardous environment, OSHA's Respiratory protection regu- lation also comes into play. Anybody involved in any hands-on training for a propane incident must satisfy those initial and annual requirements." Propane safety training is required for anyone working with propane. The industry has a program called CETP (Certified Employee Training Program), which is a requirement for those within the propane industry. There are currently 12 different train- ing and skills assessments available through the National Propane Gas Association. The programs include basic principles and prac- tices, bobtail delivery operations. l F O N Ì Safey Means No Accidents