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

Little General Store September 2008
The CSB found a number of other incidents in which propane service technicians assisted first responders
in emergencies involving their companies’ equipment and product. First responders consider propane
service technicians to be “product and container specialists” who have more experience dealing with
propane and its systems than firefighters, police, paramedics, and EMTs. 42 Although propane service
technicians are not trained to take action to mitigate a hazardous materials emergency without specific
training, 43 emergency responders often seek their advice and assistance.
PERC and the NPGA provide a Propane Emergencies training curriculum for first responders that
addresses the role of propane service technicians in the incident command structure (see Section 5.3).
However, CETP only briefly addresses emergencies at bulk plants and traffic accidents involving delivery
vehicles. No CETP module specifically addresses the potential emergencies service technicians
encounter or the basics of hazardous materials incident response.
5.3.2 Thompson Gas/Appalachian Heating Employee Training
Thompson Gas Propane Partners, LLC required all propane service technicians to be CETP-trained to the
appropriate level for their jobs. The 2005 contract with Appalachian Heating defines responsibilities,
including employee training: Appalachian is responsible for ensuring that all employees working with
propane are qualified “as defined in NFPA 54 and 58” and CETP-trained for their particular jobs. The
specific requirements include completion of CETP 1.0, Basic Principles and Practices, within 30 calendar
days of first working for Appalachian/Thompson, and completion of other applicable modules within one
year. Additionally, Appalachian Heating must maintain all training records and certifications, provide
ongoing training, and update the staff list for Thompson Gas before any new employees begin working.
42 Propane Emergencies, PERC and NPGA, 3 rd edition, page 44.
43 HAZWOPER Standard, 29 CFR 1910.120(q).
40