Propane Education & Research Council Meeting Feb 12 in Scottsdale, Ariz

Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Meeting Feb. 12 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Council approved four funding requests totaling a little over $1.1 million to support safety and technical training initiatives for the propane industry workforce, including updating the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) into a new, more user-friendly format to include transitioning the 14 different certification areas to 47 task-based training modules.

Stuart Weidie, chairman of the Council’s Environmental Task Force, gave a report on work since early November to develop messages that the industry can use to combat inaccurate perceptions about propane’s relevance as a fuel of the future.

The goal is to develop a coordinated outreach campaign for rollout to the industry at the Southeast Expo in April. Weidie divided the work among three sub-groups to address messaging to different audiences: Policy/Public Influencers, Propane Industry/Consumers, and Opposition/ Electric Competition.

PERC’s Senior Vice President, Communica - tions Tina Wilson shared the results of a national perceptions study by Kelton Global to understand Americans’ knowledge of different types of energy, perceptions of propane versus other energy types, and understanding of environmental associations and messaging opportunities for PERC.

The Council announced a new appointment to the Advisory Committee since the November meeting: Matt Solak, Indiana Propane Gas Association and Pacific Propane Gas Association (Lansing, MI), to the Research and Technology Development Working Group.

The Council approved the following funding requests:

Docket 22213: 2020 Partnerships with Industry Organizations, $1,495,000 Docket 22395: 2020 CETP Program Support, $304,850 Docket 22396: 2020 Learning Center Support, $305,500 Docket 22397: 2020 CETP Modularization Project, $485,370 Docket 22405: Propane Emergencies Strategic Planning, $25,000

PERC Adds Staff to Business Development, Industry Relations Teams

PERC has named Steve Whaley as the New Director of Autogas Business Development with the retirement of Mike Taylor. Steve is no stranger to alternative fuels helping advance propane autogas and green fuels at Agility Fuel Solutions, Roush Cleantech & Blossman Propane.

He is responsible for growing propane autogas market share in on-highway light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle markets. He will focus on new product research and development, product launches, maintenance and growth in existing market segments, and potential new market development opportunities. PERC has named Joseph Calhoun as Associate Director of Business Development. Joseph now leads PERC initiatives to grow propane demand by working directly with partners across multiple industries. He is responsible for business development, product development, and market development activities, which includes outreach, communications, education, research, product development, technical integrations, and product commercialization. His past experience includes working for Rego, TransTech Energy, Ray Murray, Paraco Gas as well as American Welding & Tank. PERC has hired Erin Lee as an Industry Relations Coordinator. Erin will provide customer support for the fulfillment center, primary support for grant administration and assists with preparation and planning for industry programs and meetings.

Rachel Hrabik is also a new addition to the PERC. Rachel will be the Business Development Coordinator Rachel will administer PERC incentive programs and rpovide support the business development team. Most recently she was worked Farm Bureau Financial Services. Prior to that, Hrabik was an account manager with Swanson Russell, where she worked on the PERC account.

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Mobile Crane Safety: Daily Inspections Safety Meeting

Cranes and rigging equipment must be inspected regularly to identify potentially unsafe conditions. A thorough inspection program can help to reduce equipment failures and malfunctions. Every type of crane should be inspected by the operator prior to each use. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s operating manual for inspection routines and items to check for on your specific crane.

PROPER INSPECTION OF YOUR CRANE AT START-UP GENERALLY INCLUDES: 3 Vehicle and Chassis — Check oil level, battery, lights, and brakes. Check tires for proper pressure, cuts, and loose or missing wheel lugs. 3 Operation and Safety Decals — Make sure all load charts, safety decals, and control decals are present and legible. 3 Anti-Two-Block System (telescopic cranes) — Check for proper operation. Inspect for cracks, grooves, or damage. 3 Hydraulic System — Check for proper oil level. Check hoses and fittings for leaks. Use caution as hydraulic systems can

contain very hot oil and can be under extreme pressure. 3 Controls — Check all control mechanisms for proper operation of all functions. Look for leaks, cracks, and excess wear. 3 Remote Control (if applicable) — Check all remote functions for proper operation and damage. 3 Electrical Systems — Check all lights and alarms for proper operation. 3 Hardware — Check pins, sheaves, nuts, and bolts for breakage, excess wear, and tightness. 3 Covers and Guards — Check for missing or improperly maintained covers and guards. 3 Hooks — Check for the presence and proper operation of a safety catch or hasp. Check hooks for cracks or damage. 3 Slings and Wire Ropes or Cables — Check for frayed edges, broken strands, kinks, flat spots, and end attachments. Check wire rope traveling around drums and sheaves for damage. 3 Overall — Check crane for damage or missing parts, leaking cylinders, and cracked welds. 3 Fire Extinguisher — Make sure a properly sized and rated fire extinguisher that is fully charged is on the vehicle.

If any problems or deficiencies are observed during the inspection, do not operate the crane until they have been repaired or it has been determined by a qualified person that the problems do not constitute a safety hazard.

DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. Why is it important to inspect your crane prior to each use? 2. How can your safety and the safety of others be at risk if a crane defect or problem is not identified and repaired in a timely manner? 3. Whose responsibility is it to keep the crane in good working order

LEARNING ACTIVITY Have a crane available on site and adjust it to have deficiencies (missing equipment, burnt-out light bulbs, uncharged extinguisher, etc.). Have participants inspect the crane and note problems they find. Discuss how to remedy each issue.

More Information This is just 1 of 45 safety meeting topics called Safety Talks developed by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). PERC has developed a set of Safety Talks to help companies create an environment to discuss specific or timely safety topics, identify potential problems, or highlight specific safety concerns. Safety Talks are designed to be much briefer than full-scale training sources. They are meant to supplement or refresh – not replace – formal training. Each Safety Talk can be presented in 10 to 15 minutes. Safety Talks will help companies keep employees engaged and actively thinking about safety. Download other safety talks like this and order additional training tools like a USB with PowerPoints at https://propane.com/resource-catalog.

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