3.

6
Performing Railcar Product
Transfers

3.6 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council

 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
1. Set forth procedures which are the general custom or
practice in the propane industry
2. Establish the legal standards of care owed by
propane distributors to their customers
3. Prevent the reader from using different methods to
implement applicable codes, standards or legal require-
ments.
 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.
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). If you’re not sure of your company’s policy, check with your
supervisor.

3.6 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council

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
Technical Tips: This technique may be very useful as you do a task. Tip 

NFPA 54
Or
The National Fire Protection Association: References to sections of the NFPA 58
LP-Gas Codes and Standards.

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.

3.6 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council

 Identifying Personal Protective
3.6.1 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:
(1) Hazards associated with handling and transferring propane
(2) Personal protective equipment used in transferring propane

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1
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

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1
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.

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1
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.

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 2
PPE Used During Propane Transfer

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

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 2
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.

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 2
PPE Used During Propane Transfer

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 2
PPE Used During Propane Transfer

Hearing Protection

Figure 3. Ear Plugs

Figure 4. Acoustical Ear Muff

Attachment on Hard Hat

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 3
PPE Used During Propane Transfer

Hearing Protection

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.

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 3
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.

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 3
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.

3.6.1 Student Book  © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 4 & 5