Little General Store Propane Explosion - US Chemical Safety and ...

Little General Store September 2008
would not have detected the improper installation at Little General. Ferrellgas’ instructions on
conducting audits merely recommend SCGMs inspect customer installations that were filled on the day
prior to the review or inspect those that the manager is driving past. These methods of sampling provide
no way to systematically review all installations over time.
SCGMs’ and regional technical analysts’ audits focus primarily on identifying and correcting deficiencies
at facilities and customer locations. Only those installations that are spot-checked during the quality
review are corrected; therefore broader systemic problems may remain undetected. In contrast, generally
recognized and accepted practices for auditing safety management systems focus on assessing and
verifying system effectiveness. 37 These practices include using statistical sampling, trend analysis,
management system review, and corrective action to detect systemic problems and ensure ongoing hazard
control throughout the organization. 38
5.3 Propane Service Technician Training and Response
5.3.1 Propane Service Technician Training
5.3.1.1 Federal and State Training Requirements
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and OSHA regulations have limited propane
service technician training requirements. DOT requires training only for propane personnel who engage
in transportation activities. OSHA requires training for propane service technicians but does not elaborate
on this requirement (Section 6.1).
37
Standard safety texts describe audits as systematic, independent reviews that determine conformance to company
and industry standards whereas inspections are physical inspection of installations and facilities.
38
CCPS, 1993; Petersen, D., 1996; Weinstein, M.B., 1997
36