Inspect the delivery hose and delivery hose assembly, including the: • Hose cover • Hose couplings • Hose reel Inspect the emergency discharge control equipment, including: • Manually-activated systems • Off-truck remotely activated systems Monthly inspections Monthly inspections of the bobtail are just as important as daily pre-service call inspections. The DOT requires that any vehicle owner or operator must complete and document a monthly bobtail inspection. “Monthly vehicle inspections provide an opportunity to verify proper operating conditions, note deficiencies requiring immediate attention and schedule tests, inspections or maintenance due the following month,” said Flatow. He instructs drivers to perform the exact same list of items in the daily pre-transfer inspections while being mindful of these additional and important differences: The inspection of the hose and its assembly is more detailed. • The liquid internal valve inspection requires a meter creep test. • The monthly inspection must be documented. Best practices and procedures for fuel deliveries After inspection of the bobtail, drivers need to be aware of how to safely transport and properly deliver fuel to customers. “Drivers delivering propane should be driving safely and courteously,” advised Flatow. Eliminating risks will provide for safe and efficient deliveries. “All drivers need to be mindful of not being distracted while driving vehicles in any kind of weather,” he indicated. His suggestion to drivers is to be aware of what is on the property they are delivering at, whether they need to cross small bridges or navigate through difficult, or sometimes unstable, roads. Being aware and making notes for future visits can make for a more successful delivery. He emphasized, “Most accidents that occur when driving a bobtail are often due to driver distractions. It doesn’t take much to roll a bobtail, even in good weather and on wellmaintained roads. The fact that it does not happen very often is a testament to the professionalism of the industry’s bobtail operators.” Loading truck at the bulk plant Before leaving the bulk plant, make sure not to drive away with the nozzle still in the vehicle. Test if there is a meter creep. “The purpose of a meter creep test verifies the internal valve will close when the emergency discharge control equipment is activated and that there is no detectable leakage through the valve in closed position,” explained Flatow. Arriving at the delivery site Technicians should park in a place that isn’t overly obtrusive to the street and neighbors, if possible. Flatow believes that doing so makes a good impression on customers’ neighbors, potential future customers. Next, technicians should meet with the customer to let them know why they are there and discuss filling up the tank. They should do a preliminary walk of the property—from where they remove the hose to where the propane tank is—to ensure there are no obstructions before filling the tank. If there is an obvious issue with the equipment (e.g. broken regulator, tank piping looks cracked), the technician should inform the customer. If it is dangerous, the technician may need to apply a tag saying it cannot be filled until repairs are fixed—this is uncommon but is critical to identify. Filling the tank Filling the tank is a great time to start a conversation with the customer. “Make sure to talk to customers about safety measures and go over any brochures you have as you’re filling the tank,” advised Flatow. A proactive technician will discuss with the customer what he/she is doing and any safety measures they can be aware of on their own. Often, technicians will give the customer a wiff of the propane—it is naturally mostly odorless and colorless, but there is a slight smell that can be detected if there is ever a problem and sampling it for the customers can help with any potential future issues. 6 ICM/March/April 2017
ICM March-Apri 2017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above