Service Propane delivery best practices and procedures Christen Harm, Assistant Editor Bobtail inspection, delivery and training A bobtail isn’t just the size of an animal’s tail. In the propane heating industry, it pertains to the propane delivery truck. There are certain requirements for handling a delivery, including inspections of the bobtail and best practices for a smooth, safe and effective delivery to customers. Inspecting your Bobtail Inspection of the delivery vehicle is integral to its operation for safe delivery. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drivers to inspect their vehicles each day before operation. Additionally, each vehicle must undergo inspections every month, year and five years. “It is the driver’s responsibility to conduct and document regular vehicle inspections, as well as safely operate Flatow the vehicle and pay close attention to driving duties,” said Stuart Flatow, VP of Safety & Training, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). PERC is operated and funded solely by the propane industry to educate consumers about the uses and benefits of propane. It also includes training for propane retailers and consumers, as well as details on the types of inspections that need to be completed. Walk-Around Inspection Walk-around inspections of a bobtail include a full review of the truck once loaded at the bulk plant. Double checking that your bobtail is safe to operate minimizes any risks for the system or documentation issues that can occur at the arrival of the delivery site. Flatow shared some best practices for drivers when performing a walk-around inspection. Drivers must make sure: • The power take-off (PTO) is disengaged. • The liquid internal valve and vapor internal valve are closed. • All required vehicle and cargo tank tests and inspections are current. • Loading paperwork is completed. See your company policy on required loading paperwork. • Tools and other items used during loading are properly stowed and secured. • Shipping papers, written emergency discharge control procedures and DOT hazmat certificate of registration are in proper order and readily available. • Delivery tickets and any other supplies are organized and properly secured in the cab. If all items are in safe operating condition, remove the chock blocks from the rear wheels, stow them in their transport rack or box and proceed to your first delivery location. Pre-Transfer Inspection Title 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations that regulates transportation) requires that all bobtail drivers must visually check the cargo tank emergency discharge system, delivery hose and hose assembly and emergency discharge control equipment each day before transferring propane. “You may choose to perform your pre-transfer inspection either at the same time as your daily pre-trip inspection or before unloading at your first customer’s location,” advised Flatow. Flatow offered the requirements the DOT provides drivers for inspection of the bobtail each day, before transferring propane to customers: Inspect the cargo tank discharge system, including: • Pump • Piping visible between the pump and other components • Liquid internal valve • Automatic bypass valve(s) • Liquid meter • Line valves and hydrostatic relief valves 4 ICM/March/April 2017
ICM March-Apri 2017
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