November 2019 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane November 2019

Volume 75 No. 11

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

SAFETY MEETINGS: What You Need to Know Winter Outlook Safety Meeting Resources & Tips

Maintaining the Legacy You’ve Built

You have worked hard to build your business. Pinnacle Propane is committed to preserving your legacy.

Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back?

At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees. We focus on providing local service to our customers and empowering our employees via competitive pay, a robust benefits package, and advancement opportunities.

As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts.

Bill Webb Senior Vice President Business Development 936-329-1440

Matt Terry Director Business Development 210-560-5418

Call us today for more information and a confidential assessment of your business.

About Pinnacle Propane: Pinnacle Propane is a leading propane distributor in the U.S. and is part of a global group of

LPG companies owned by SHV Energy, the largest dedicated global LPG distributor. Pinnacle Propaneʼs operations include bulk gas storage and delivery, cylinder filling and distribution, and community gas systems. Learn more at www.pinnaclepropane.com.

TexasPropane November 2019

8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com Propane Service Corporation

Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com Publisher

Features Safety Meetings 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 PERC Safety Talks Safety Meeting Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Safety Meeting Trainer Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Safety Talk Attendance Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Propane Council Duty to Warn Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 What You Should Know About EOS, and Why It Matters. . . . . . 18 The Four Questions Your Homepage Must Answer . . . . . . . . . . 20

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com

Winter Outlook: Warmer than Average for Many, Wetter in the North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net

Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Departments

Highlights from Headquarters

Make Time for Safety This Busy Season Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director I know that we are coming into the busy season for our industry, but safety is important now more than ever. Protecting your employees and avoiding an accident that could hurt them, and affect their family forever, as well as your business, is the most important thing you should be doing right now. In this issue we have a series of features that give you insight and ideas on how to conduct safety meetings at your business. The articles guide you on topics, inform you on what documen-

2019 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Lunch Sponsor Propane Council of Texas Golf Tournament Targa Resources Convention Bags Enterprise Products

tation you need to keep, and suggest resources you can use. Turn to page 6 to get started.

On that note, don’t forget to sign up for ProCOT’s Duty to Warn program to get important safety information into the hands of your customers. The deadline to sign up is December 1, 2019. Don’t delay!

As a reminder the TPGA & PSC office will be closed November 28-29, 2019 for Thanksgiving. Here is hoping that each and every one of you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

Welcome Reception Bishop Energy Lanyards Keyera Energy Expo Floor Beverages Westmor Industries 4J Energy Cactus Tanks TPGA Partner Otodata Quality Steel Michelin/T&W Tire Propane Genius Bar PERC

2019-2020 TPGA Board of Directors President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 President Elect: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Danny Meyers, Bellville Butane 979-865-2698 District 4 Alternate: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 5 Director: Ryan Tudyk, Howdy Propane Services, 361-771-1900 District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Open District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Open District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 District 12 Alternate: Open District 13 Director: Open

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780 District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Past President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 Past President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, SHV-Pinnacle Propane, 210-560-5418 Vice President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654 Sr. Vice President: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Steve Johnson, Midstream Transportation, 512-787-3777 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, 972-406-3817 Assoc. At Large Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Nominating Chair: John Kelly, Kelly Propane 940-586-1208 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

From the TPGA & PSC staff Bill Jackie Page Debbie

Happy Thanksgiving

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November 2019 •

Texas Propane

5

Feature

Safety Meetings: What You Need to Know

By Amber Thurlo Pearson

Who has time for additional trainings or meetings during their busy season? Those are for downtime, right? In the case of safety when your employees are around the most risk, i.e., the busy season, who DOESN’T have time to ensure their safety as well as your company’s health?

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Feature

November 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Feature

A stitch in time saves nine. You’ve probably heard this expression. Take the time to do something correctly so you don’t spend even more time – or heartache – fixing it later, if it even can be fixed. Although your employees may not relish sitting still while calls pile up around them – and part of you may feel the same – protecting them and avoiding an accident that could not only hurt them but possibly affect their family forever, as well as protecting your business from liability, is the most important thing you SHOULD be doing during the busy season.

“Wintertime is usually when you have the most activity going on. People make excuses that they want to have safety meetings when it slows down in the spring, but the high frequency of accidents starts in the fall and runs through the winter months,” said Robert McKinney with Crum & Forster, an insurer. “Fatigue sets in though, because it IS the busiest, and that’s when errors are made. Plus, that’s when the most activity, and therefore risks, are present. You may not remember something you heard half a year ago, especially when you’re tired,” he said.

“Not only that, some employees are young and have a lack of knowledge, while complacency may set in for the more experienced. They may feel nothing will go wrong since it hasn’t before,” McKinney said.

Safety meetings are just that – time set aside to provide either quick reminders or pinpoint new tips learned, or longer more planned meetings or trainings with the goal of keeping employees, homes and residents, and your resources safe.

There is a difference between safety “meetings,” and safety “trainings.” Safety training is usually more formal, with set agendas, goals and objectives, such as Railroad Commission required training, Hazmat Training (HM 126), or motivational in nature in support of these objectives. Much of this is mandated by some authority, be it state licensing, certification, DOT or insurance carrier prerequisites.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Safety meetings, however, are brief, 15-minute opportunities for managers or supervisors to discuss day-to-day hazards, use of equipment, unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, recent incidents or near-misses and to underline or review company policy or new safety rules.

“Safety meetings are SO important, but have always been one of those things employees struggle to embrace,” said Jay Johnston, The Safety Leader and Johnston & Associates, Inc. “I remember early on in my career when trainers used to be boring as heck. I myself remember using overhead slides and then using slide shows and luckily it evolved from there!” he said.

One story Johnston recounts of the importance of being mentally prepared safety-wise was he knew guys who installed a heater line directly through a floor. After the subsequent accident and horrible damage to one of his insured, they had to settle for $13 million. “That was an eye-opener!” he said.

Other related reasons to make sure everyone is on the top of their safety game is that if something like that happens, your business could become almost uninsurable, or you could even lose your business.

As the leader, your employees will most likely want to act according to what you and the owners/management say is important.

Michael Terry of Linscot Enterprises, a safety training – among other things – organization, offers a perspective on what are the most common types of risks and/or accidents, as well as some you might not have on your radar.

• Distracted driving and safe driving in general is the biggest concern, especially with busy-season calls coming in while workers are driving • Ice as a driving (and on foot) hazard • Driver fatigue • Lack of wearing seatbelt, or not adhering to basic driving rules • Not inspecting truck daily, and it breaking down during critical time • Simply the physical strains of traversing the truck or pulling hoses, etc.

• Customers being home during leak checks • Pull-away accident where hose is still attached to tank: drivers must walk around the truck every single time – it’s a good habit to get into so one feels like they’re forgetting something if they don’t do it.

• Failure to wear proper protective equipment like gloves, steel-toed boots, mask/goggles with valve issues.

Feature “Drivers should be told to remain in attendance of the vehicle when pumping,” said Terry. “Always do things one step at a time.

If a customer asks one to come inside to light the pilot, do not do that while you are pumping from the truck to save time.

Also, use visits to check that tanks are up to code and if any elevation, repairs, or other maintenance issues are needed.” If an employee notices a tank may be unsafe for filling, it’s better to do the right thing and risk upsetting the customer than risk an accident.”

“Safety and reinforcing safety requirements, policies, and procedures doesn’t stop after that first initial required class, it’s deeply rooted in the core values of the organization,” said Paula Laney, Director of Safety & Training at Energy Distribution Partners (EDP). “Safety never takes a backseat due to the weather, in fact it becomes even more important when everyone is busy. Good training and regular reminders keep safety fresh in our minds and at the forefront of our decision-making.”

“Weekly or monthly safety talks with your employees demonstrates your commitment to your employees.” Laney continued.

“I know one marketer who does his weekly safety meeting by arriving before any of the drivers come in to begin their day (and sometimes that might be 4:00 am). He has the coffee going and a sack of sausage biscuits or donuts ready for them and the safety meeting is concise but meaningful. He is also there to talk about how things are going and listen to any feedback.”

“Safety is every day. Safety meetings aren’t always half-day or all-day sessions, sometimes they are 15 minutes to review with your employees what they already know and reinforce that we care about their safety and the safety of others,” Laney said.

Consistency

“I would constantly get the safety info in front of them on a regular basis,” McKinney said. “If you don’t, I’ve seen horrible things happen. I had two guys – both almost retired – put a 1,000-gallon tank on a lift truck and when they extended the lift, they hit a high voltage power line. Both were fatally electrocuted, and those were experienced, 30-year employees. It also killed a man who tried to help them on the ground.”

Consistency, and a certain element of entertainment, helps set expectations and make the meetings more palatable, McKinney and our other experts said.

“I would set a certain amount of time aside at least weekly,” McKinney said. “Now, that’s not required, but I was born and raised in this business and I know how important it is to bring things to the attention of the employees, possibly even more than weekly if something unsafe was brought to my attention as a manager. I recommend to all our insured holding more formal meetings at least once a month. You can’t hold too many safety meetings. Quarterly meetings can even be more extensive. I may even include marketing tactics, or other things relevant. You may want to have a cookout or something else to make it more special.”

Team Effort (Who Should Attend)

“Some members of the team may not feel like the topic applies to them but they, namely, office staff, know what drivers are going through and may understand how best to communicate impor-

tant details,” Terry said. “Therefore, all employees should attend.

Front office staff should have a good idea on how to handle leak calls and leak tests, so that they can ask important questions that may help to identify if there’s a leak. At the very least, management should host a review for them before the winter. Another crucial facet to their intervention in a call is they could help evaluate if they feel residents should evacuate their home.”

Documentation

Not only should you hold safety meetings with regularity, you must document them. “If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen, for all intents and purposes liability-wise. I know places that got in trouble even though they did have meetings, because they weren’t documented,” McKinney said. Managers must sign off of the documentation of who attended.

Likewise, you, the manager, should review all paperwork for out-of-gas or interruption-of-service calls.

Resources & Guidelines

Crum and Forster, www.cfins.com/engineering, has a robust library of resources, such as white sheets and tech sheets.

The Propane Education & Research Council has also developed a suite of safety meetings. Read more about them on page 10 of this issue. In addition, Johnston suggests CETP materials; he helped to develop those as well as some from PERC. Johnston also suggests livening up or differentiating the meetings from time to time, at minimum. “We used to go around and put on safety tours with ply-wood and compressed air,” he said with a laugh. “Then we would try to tell jokes, and this levity helped some places turn their culture around to focus on safety. I started taking my guitar around and even writing funny songs on safety. It may make some managers cringe, but I like to get people to open up with a show-and-tell time about near-misses or funny things found when checking for leaks. It helps educate all of us to have your head up, eyes open and ears open.”

A manager can make themselves more comfortable, and thereby create a more enjoyable atmosphere for all, by attending public speaking opportunities such as Toastmasters. Other tips: • Hold meetings in a quiet place with limited distractions.

• Use newsletters, articles, case studies and near-misses to create topics.

• Start the meeting by telling employees why they are there.

Define the topic and its relation to safety, accident prevention and company policy.

• When presenting the topic – keep it short (15 minutes), positive and fun.

• Allow time for, encourage, and reward questions – such feedback is essential.

• End the meeting by thanking employees, congratulating them on accident-free productivity and make sure they sign the attendance sheet.

• At times, a meeting held at a bulk plant or customer location can be a good way to keep their attention while showing the equipment in application.

Johnston said, “The book I wrote is called “The Practice of Safety,” because safety is something you have to practice every day.”

November 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Feature

PERC Safety Talks Safety Meeting Resources 15. OSHA Requirements for Labels in Revised Hazard Communication Standard 16. Understanding the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) 17.

Handling, Storing, and Delivering Cylinders to Residential Customers Transferring Methanol and Other Flammable Liquids 18. Anhydrous Ammonia Properties and Hazards 19. Recognizing and Testing for Anhydrous Ammonia 20. Safety Precautions When Performing Maintenance Activities 21. Handling Cylinders 22. Inspecting Cylinders 23. Filling Vehicle-Mounted ASME Tanks 24. Using Cylinder Dollies and Lift Gates 25.

Delivering Cylinders to Residential Customers 25. Delivering Cylinders to Residential Customers 26. Delivering Cylinders to Commercial Customers 27. Safety Precautions When Filling Containers 28. Requalifying DOT Cylinders by Visual Inspection 29. Handling Out-of-Gas Situations 30. Bulk Propane Delivery 31. Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle (CTMV) Emergency Shutdown Systems and Bulkhead Components 32. Hazards and Precautions for Propane Transfers 33. Determining the Amount of Propane to Be Unloaded from a Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle (CTMV) 34. Unloading a Bobtail Using a Bobtail Pump 35. Complete Combustion and Carbon Monoxide 36. Odor Complaints, Gas Leaks, and Service Interruptions 37. Odorants: Purpose, Characteristics, and Maintenance 38. Verifying Propane Odorization 39. Providing Quality Customer Service 40. Mobile Crane Safety: Crane Transport 41. Mobile Crane Safety: Rigging 42. Mobile Crane Safety: Site Assessment 43. Mobile Crane Safety: Crane Operator Requirements 44. Mobile Crane Safety: Overhead Power Line Safety 45. Mobile Crane Safety: Daily Inspections 29

11

Handling Out-of-Gas Situations

Selecting Safe Delivery Routes and Protecting Property

Propane delivery personnel will handle out-of-gas situations on occasion. These “interruptions of service” merit quick response, since they may indicate leaks or other hazards. It is important that you understand potential causes so you can remedy problems quickly.

Always follow your company’s policies and procedures. The following additional tips will help safeguard you and your customers.

As a propane delivery driver, you are responsible for protecting people and property in the course of your job. The following tips can supplement your company’s safety plan and help you prevent any unnecessary issues.

WHEN A SITUATION IS CALLED IN BY A CUSTOMER:

PLANNING AND SETTING OFF ON YOUR ROUTE:

Various out-of-gas situations are reported by customers and forwarded to propane delivery personnel. When talking with the homeowner before you arrive:

Plan for the issues of delivery vehicles — Know the height and weight of your vehicle and any bridges or road sections that require extra safety measures.

Tell him/her to close all appliance valves and the valve at the tank or the main shutoff valve located in the fuel line.

Drive with caution and vigilance — Follow all recommended instructions at railroad crossings and drawbridges and posted hazmat route signs, and be prepared for any detours due to local restrictions.

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Make arrangements for the customer to be home for a leak check and return to service.

Adjust for weather — Maintain speed appropriate for conditions. Plan ahead if you need to change your route for easier travel, and make customer appointments accordingly.

WHEN A SITUATION IS DETECTED DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE CALL:

Safety Precautions When Performing Maintenance Activities

Vehicle flashers must be used at all railroad crossings and any time the vehicle is stopped except for routine traffic stops.

Personally inspect to make sure the tank or cylinder and all appliance valves are closed.

Discussion Topics

Charge the container to operating pressure or replace the cylinder.

1. A customer continuously has an out-of-gas situation.

What could be the issue?

Check the container and connections for leaks with an approved leak detector solution.

PROTECTING CUSTOMER LANDSCAPING, PROPERTY, AND STRUCTURES:

Perform a leak check per your company’s operating procedures.

Various cylinder systems exist at residential sites. It is important to understand these systems and to use protective measures 2. A homeowner upset Discussion Topics You will encounter a variety of issues and obstacles in day-to-day deliveries and service.

It is important to use good judgment and safety practices when performing basic maintenance activities. Because these are tasks Fill the container. throughout the delivery and installationabout process.

The afollowing having service steps offer guidance to ensure maximum safety.

Understand the size and restrictions of your vehicle, anddo always exercise good judgment. you may less frequently, make sure to refresh your knowledge time to tells time.you Review 1. Thefrom customer otheryour company’s guidelines prior to any technician perform a leak Put the system back in service, if it is safe to do so. task, andto use the following tips for support. propane drivers have crossed testTO and having to payCUSTOMERS: Keep your vehicle on roadways, driveways, maintenance or surfaces adequate support its weight.

STEPS FOR DELIVERING CYLINDERS RESIDENTIAL his bridge without issue, but to re-establish service.

Avoid attempting travel over small privateAVOID bridges or culverts — Park your vehicle and use WHEN RESPONDING TO A SITUATION WHERE THE CUSTOMER IS 1.

NOT PRESENT: Position the delivery vehicle. Ensure thehow brake set properly.

FIRE HAZARDS Discuss toisaddress his Check the area for open as you approach, you feel it a dolly to transport cylinders to the delivery location. If you’re driving a bobtail, use the full flames or ignition rm there are no potential hazards.

It’s possible that no one will be home when you discover an out-of-gas situation.

If you cannot sources, and confi concerns in light of safety might materials not be secure.

What is Remove all ignition sources, flammable liquids, and combustible to a safe distance length of the delivery hose to reach across the bridge to the LP-gas containers. Be aware of gain access to appliances to perform a leak check, follow these safety steps: and company 2. Inspect the cylinder installation.issues The installation areapolicy. must be at least 10 feet away from best course action? away from the area you are working. Observe all precautions your that apply within aofStatic Discharge landscaping/decorative items that the hose may damage when pulling it to the container. any combustible materials, and pigtails and valves must be clear of debris. Place the cylinControl Area.

Close the container service valve.

2. As you are exiting, you collide der in an upright and stable position on a firm, level foundation not in contact with soil.

Close all gates after driving through to preventIfloss pets livestock.aPark location you of need to or disconnect hoseinorapipe to gain access to awith repair proceed with anarea, old birdhouse the caution Charge the container to operating pressure or replace the cylinder. that allows room for other vehicles to come and LEARNING Cylinders must be positioned at least 3 feetACTIVITY away from any building opening located below as go thefreely. line will likely still contain propane vapor. Follow the customer same precautions as site. you would has at her Check the container for leaks with an approved leak detector solution. the level of the relief valve discharge and at least 5 feet away from any exterior ignition any other time when handling propane.

Stay alert to the activities and movement of children and pets.

How do you proceed?

Stage a situation where a Pressure regulators must be positioned soout-of-gas that rain, ice, snow, sleet, or debris canFill the container. Securely fasten a warning tag to the container servicesource. valve that includes calls in an “customer” Electrical equipment, enclosures, and connections used in a bulk plant must conform to NFPA 70, Upon job completion, conduct a vehicle walk-around to ensure your exit path is clear. not enter or block the regulator vent.Prepare scripts on different the appropriate notice. report. to ensure even thecan event of athem. failure, they cannot ignite propane. Even so, do not perform Know the locations of telephone poles and utility boxes that, to confi rminyou clear issues and have participants any maintenance or repairs on electrical equipment if youLEARNING are not trained and certified to do so.

Leave a notice at the door that explains that the gas is turned off and3.that the customer ACTIVITY Determine if an interruption of gas service occurred. Look for signs of pressurized protalk through the situation with needs to call to restore service. pane vapor by checking the cylinder service valve, fixed maximum liquid level gauge, When handling flammable liquids, observe the precautions on their labels and most recent Discussion Topics Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

AVOID PERSONAL INJURY

Discuss a recent incident in a propane delivery or gasrelated event. Discuss what was handled properly and what

should have received more When inspecting or servicing bulk plant equipment, always wear appropriate personal attention.

Ask participants protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, earplugs, footwear, gloves, hard for input and suggestions. hats, or other gear as required by your company.

When painting storage tanks or piping, refer to the coating manufacturer’s SDS for specific PPE and safety precautions.

When climbing ladders on tanks or towers or working on elevated surfaces, injury can result from a fall. Set up on stable ground, wear PPE, and exercise caution when climbing up or down to the ground.

Bulk plants may use forklift trucks to move heavy loads. Do not operate a forklift truck unless you are properly trained and qualified as required by OSHA. If you need to be retrained, see your supervisor.

Source: Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery (PERC) For more information on selecting safe delivery routes, visit propanesafety.com. © 2014 Propane Education & Research Council

the customer. Discuss ways to

propane levels. Follow your company’s guidelines for handling out-of-gas issues.

Regardless of how an out-of-gas situation is discovered, NFPA 54 requiresand that the propane handle each scenario. marketer notify all affected users any time the gas supply is turned off and thatcylinders a leak check 4. Move to the installation site. Confirm the customer’s cylinder is empty, then be performed before placing the system back in service. carefully lower the full cylinder from your vehicle to the ground and move it to the installation site. Use your lift gate and dollies as necessary.

Discussion Topics

MINIMIZING OUT-OF-GAS CALLS: 1. Why is it important to follow the most current SDS forYou anycan help minimize out-of-gas calls by: chemical or gas?

Monitoring customers’ propane needs.

5. Determine whether it is an automatic or a manual installation. In an automatic installation, the system will automatically switch to its reserves. The type of installation required at the residence will help you correctly replace the cylinders.

anweather automatic installation: 2. You need to make a quick Anticipating changing requirements, such as higher propane usage dueIfto repair, but cannot access theor home improvements.

— Determine which cylinder is empty and close its service value. area with your ladder. You have — Change the supply indicator so that the reserve cylinder is the supply and the new cylinPromoting customer awareness of propane storage levels. a durable crate that will fit the der is the reserve. space and allow you to reach.Promoting company services such as “keep full service,” budget billing programs, — Check that the indicator has changed color and disconnect the empty cylinder.

Is it okay to use the crate? and electronic liquid level monitors.

— Replace the empty cylinder with the full one and reconnect the pigtail.

Source: Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery (PERC)

LEARNING ACTIVITY

— Turn on the service valve and check the connection for leaks.

For more information on handling out-of-gas situations, visit propanesafety.com.

If a manual installation:

Review the specific maintenance © 2014 activities that employees might be Propane Education & Research Council asked to perform at your facility.

Discuss how to select PPE and safety equipment, as well as any unique precautions, for each task.

— Determine which cylinder is empty and close its service value.

1. What is the difference between delivering cylinders for manual versus automatic installations? What key things might you have to consider?

2. Why is it important to handle and store empty cylinders on your truck with the same caution as those that are full?

LEARNING ACTIVITY

Create a residential delivery scenario where there are issues in safe parking, cylinder condition, and pressurized propane vapor.

Discuss potential hazards and solutions, while ensuring safety.

— Disconnect the pigtail from the cylinder and remove the empty cylinder.

— Properly position the full cylinder, reconnect the pigtail, and turn on the service valve.

— Check the connection for leaks and turn the service valve off.

6. Return empty cylinders. Return empty cylinders to the truck with the protective cap secured over the service valve and the cylinder stored in an upright position for transport.

Source: Basic Plant Operations (PERC)

Source: Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery (PERC)

For more information about performing maintenance activities, visit propanesafety.com.

For more information about residential deliveries, visit propanesafety.com.

© 2014 Propane Education & Research Council

© 2014 Propane Education & Research Council

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has developed a safety meeting training series of 10-15 minute Safety Talks designed to help companies create an environment that fosters discussion, identifies potential problems, and highlights key concerns to keep employees engaged and actively thinking about safety. There are 45 Safety Talks available from PERC. Smaller sets that include only those Safety Talks relevant to specific topic areas are also available.

These include: Personal Safety & Injury Prevention; Vehicle Inspection & Safety; Hazardous Chemicals & Materials; Filling & Delivery of Containers; Bulk Propane Delivery and Transfer; Propane Characteristics, Combustion, and Odorization; Customer Care & Service; and Mobile Crane Safety.

Here is a full list of the safety talks: 1. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2. Using and Maintaining Fire Extinguishers 3. Basic Fire Prevention Rules and Procedures 4. Personal Risk Assessment 5. Using Good Body Mechanics 6. Reducing Slips, Trips, and Falls 7. Properties of Static Electricity 8. Static Discharge Prevention Tips 9. Performing Pre- and Post-Trip Vehicle Inspections 10. Safe Driving Practices 11. Selecting Safe Delivery Routes and Protecting Property 12. Handling Vehicle Accidents and Emergencies 13. Entering and Exiting the Truck 14. Vehicle Parking and Security

10

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Propane retailers can download printable PDFs of the Safety Talks at no cost or order a USB with all the safety talks at https://propane.com/resource-catalog.

November 2019 •

Texas Propane

11

Feature

Safety Meeting Trainer Tips HOW TO MAKE A SAFETY TALK IMPACTFUL

A well-trained propane workforce is essential to protecting the health and well-being of employees and consumers. An important component in building an effective program is to conduct regular discussions on safety topics relevant to your work and workplace.

One of the most efficient and effective methods of doing this is through Safety Talks. These concise presentations touch on a variety of safety issues that are important to employees in their day-to-day jobs. Moreover, Safety Talks help create an environment to discuss specific or timely safety topics, identify potential problems, or highlight specific safety concerns.

Safety Talks are typically much briefer in nature than full-scale training courses. They are meant to supplement or refresh — not replace — formal training. Each Safety Talk is designed to be delivered in 10 to 15 minutes. Whether you choose to give them on a weekly or monthly basis, Safety Talks will help you keep employees engaged and actively thinking about safety.

WHY ARE SAFETY TALKS IMPORTANT?

Companies often work hectic schedules to accommodate customer needs. Safety Talks may be a primary place that employees hear about a particular safety or health issue important to them in their day-to-day jobs. It’s essential to communicate these in a manner that is straightforward and easy-to-understand. Thus, if more information is needed, employees will know how to seek out expertise from an appropriate resource.

KEEP RECORD OF SAFETY TALKS

It’s important to keep a record of each Safety Talk, including the following: • Who attended.

• Topics covered.

• Resources used.

• Date presented and instructor.

This information is not only useful for administrative reasons, but it also provides a sense of importance to the employee as to why he/she is there in the first place. It also can help you in determining additional training needs. Check your company’s policy for recording and reporting safety meetings.

12

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

When planning your talk, there are several things to take into consideration as to how to deliver it in an impactful manner: 3 Consider how the topic is relevant to the employee. Is it something he/she will come across in their job?

3 Consider the amount of time you have to deliver the information. Don’t try to cram too much into a short time frame.

Determine the hierarchy of your messages and go from there.

• A typical rule of thumb: “What are the top two or three things I would like my employees to remember after my Safety Talk?”

3 Although you want to be factual in your delivery, discuss the issue in commonly understood words.

• Employees are more apt to listen and retain information if they feel like it’s coming from you in a personal manner —as a stakeholder in the issue — as opposed to hearing something that is being read to them from a manual.

3 It is important that your employees understand why they are in the Safety Talk in the first place. A proven way to help them retain the information is by incorporating the following three principles into your presentation: • Tell them what they’ll hear in the Safety Talk.

• Communicate the information.

• Remind them what they heard.

3 What is the potential hazard or safety issue?

• To help you set the stage, explain the nature of the hazard or issue. What are the potential repercussions to them, their coworkers, and even customers, if they don’t act responsibly?

3 How can they help prevent a hazard or issue from occurring?

• This is the portion of your talk that covers if any applicable rules or regulations apply.

3 Consider creating a scenario where something is not compliant and have your workers point out what it is. A discussion about “What’s wrong with this picture?” can make this a collaborative, educational opportunity.

• Look for opportunities to make the Safety Talk interactive.

People often respond better when they are participating in a conversation as opposed to being lectured to.

• Use real-life examples and props.

3 Are there things that you can bring into the Safety Talk that the employee uses in his/her day-to-day job? This can personalize the experience into something that resonates with them.

• If possible, hold the Safety Talk on-site, or in an area where your employees are most likely to experience the subject matter. This personalizes the issue and can help them better understand how to best respond if the issue ever arises.

• Think about role playing. This is a great way to make the experience both interactive and hands-on.

• Consider starting the session with a compelling statistic, question, or statement about the topic — something that will resonate with participants and help generate discussion.

• Don’t be afraid to point out what might seem to be obvious. In your presentation, and your handouts, include a section about potential hazards to employees — either on your premises or where they may be throughout the course of the day.

Safety Talk Attendance Form SAFETY TALK TOPICS COVERED: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

PARTICIPANTS: Name Signature

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

RESOURCES USED (Attach Copies if Required): __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

DATE: __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

CONCERNS/ISSUES:

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

RESPONSE/FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES:

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

INSTRUCTOR NAME (PRINT): ________________________________________________________________________________________________ INSTRUCTOR SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ INSTRUCTOR TITLE: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

November 2019 •

Texas Propane

13

Safety Talk

Safety Precautions When Performing Maintenance Activities Safety Meeting AVOID PERSONAL INJURY 3 W hen inspecting or ser-

vicing bulk plant equipment, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, earplugs, footwear, gloves, hard hats, or other gear as required by your company.

3 W hen painting storage

tanks or piping, refer to the coating manufacturer’s SDS for specific PPE and safety precautions.

3 W hen

It is important to use good judgment and safety practices when performing basic maintenance activities. Because these are tasks you may do less frequently, make sure to refresh your knowledge from time to time. Review your company’s guidelines prior to any maintenance task, and use the following tips for support.

AVOID FIRE HAZARDS 3 R emove all ignition sources, flammable liquids, and com-

bustible materials to a safe distance away from the area you are working. Observe all precautions that apply within a Static Discharge Control Area.

3 If you need to disconnect a hose or pipe to gain access to a

repair area, proceed with caution as the line will likely still contain propane vapor. Follow the same precautions as you would any other time when handling propane.

3 Electrical equipment, enclosures, and connections used in a

bulk plant must conform to NFPA 70, to ensure that, even in the event of a failure, they cannot ignite propane. Even so, do not perform any maintenance or repairs on electrical equipment if you are not trained and certified to do so.

3 When handling flammable liquids, observe the precautions on

their labels and most recent Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

14

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

climbing ladders on tanks or towers or working on elevated surfaces, injury can result from a fall. Set up on stable ground, wear PPE, and exercise caution when climbing up or down to the ground.

3 Bulk plants may use forklift trucks to move heavy loads. Do

not operate a forklift truck unless you are properly trained and qualified as required by OSHA. If you need to be retrained, see your supervisor.

DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. Why is it important to follow the most current SDS for any chemical or gas?

2. You need to make a quick repair, but cannot access the area with your ladder. You have a durable crate that will fit the space and allow you to reach.

LEARNING ACTIVITY Review the specific maintenance activities that employees might be asked to perform at your facility. Discuss how to select PPE and safety equipment, as well as any unique precautions, for each task.

Source: Basic Plant Operations (PERC) For more information about performing maintenance activities, visit propanesafety.com.

Find out how to get important safety information to your Texas customers Annual Safety Mailing Program The Propane Council of Texas’ Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program is a service-based project that uses the newly updated Propane Education & Research Council’s comprehensive safety brochure with the Railroad Commission consumer safety notification added and mails it to your Texas customers on your behalf.

How do I sign up?

1. Texas propane retailers go to https://pct.ginnysprinting.com/ 2. Complete the online registration form & upload your Texas propane customer mailing list(s) spreadsheet to the online registration form.

5. The safety mailer will be sent within 30 days of receipt of your registration.

6. The safety mailer is sent to your Texas customers on behalf of the Propane Council of Texas with an acknowledgement line recognizing your company.

7. Once mailed and payment is received, you will receive a postage receipt and notarized affidavit from the mail house that your mailing is complete.

What does it cost?

The biggest savings to you is there is no cost for the “mailed” brochure for those participating in the safety mailing program and the Council covers postage to Texas customers when you use our service.

Each propane retailer participant is responsible for two pass-through fees. You, the retailer, are only responsible for a small $35 fulfillment flat fee and 8 cents list processing fee per address.

3. Registration package is automatically sent to our third-party mail house.

4. You will receive an email confirmation as soon as your registration is received.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Important Helpful List Tips File format. Accepted Duty to Warn mailing list file types include Excel (xls, xlsx) and comma separated value (csv).

List must be uploaded on the official registration form.

List clean-up. All lists are certified by being run through a required United States Postal Service (USPS) software for all bulk mailings. Any addresses that are not a match in the USPS database are automatically corrected if there is enough information or eliminated by the software.

1) Please remove any internal company notes you do not want your customers to see.

(For example: CASH ONLY, COD, DECEASED, CHARGE OFF, etc) 2) Please only include the billing address where there is mail receptacle. The post office will not deliver to homes that do not have a mailbox.

3) Ensure all addresses are complete and include a zip code. Incomplete addresses may automatically be removed by the software.

4) Do a spellcheck. Street names and city names that are misspelled could be earmarked as undeliverable by the post office.

5) Other reasons why an address would come back invalid are as follows · Address used: 1234 FM Hwy 64 o There is no Hwy 64 o The correct address would be 1234 FM 64 · Address used: 1234 I30 o It does not recognize I30 o The correct address would be 1234 IH 30 · Address used: 1234 Soth ABC Street o It does not recognize the misspelling of South o It will recognize South, or S. or S for South · Address used: 1234 S ABC Street o It is not recognizing this address because ABC Street does not have a north or south distinction or that particular address should be 1234 N ABC Street.

ALL INVALID ADDRESSES REMOVED FROM YOUR LIST WILL BE SENT TO YOU IN YOUR CONFIRMATION PACKAGE.

Add to your list. Please add all branches and all managers to your list. It is important that you get a few copies of the mailing for your records.

Do not forget to add your insurance agent’s mailing address to your list, too. Additionally, please ensure that it is the customer’s billing address to ensure delivery from the US Postal Service.

November 2019 •

Texas Propane

17

Business Beat

What You Should Know About EOS, and Why It Matters you can upgrade to Windows 10, which offers comprehensive end-to-end security, covering antivirus, firewall, internet protections and more. Upgrading an old PC is not optimal as the machine will run very slowly. Microsoft recommends using Windows 10 on new devices to take advantage of the latest features and security improvements fully.

Here’s another example. Exchange Server 2010 reaches EOS on January 14, 2020. There are two paths you can take to avoid EOS for the messaging platform that you updated: stay on-premises with the latest version of Exchange or move to the cloud.

You’re running out of time, so act today

Several Microsoft products will be reaching end of support (EOS) in January 2020. Some businesses have heeded warnings, while others are allocating the necessary funds to upgrade software or hardware before the quarter ends.

Either way, EOS is fast approaching.

Here’s a quick refresher about what to focus on before the year ends.

support, including Office 2010 which will reach EOS on October 13, 2020 — but what does that mean for you if your business is currently using any of these products?

When a product goes to End of Support, it will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide any support.

What EOS means for you, your business, and your customers

Each one of Microsoft’s products goes through a lifecycle. The tech giant implements lifecycles for its products as an “investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences.”

In general, when a product’s lifecycle is nearing its end, it is a perfect opportunity for you to upgrade your systems, software, and hardware. Keeping your systems and software products up to date ensures protection from the evolving threat landscape.

After January 14, 2020, Microsoft is ending support for several of its software products — including Windows Server 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2011, SQL Server 2008, Exchange 2010, and Windows 7.

Throughout 2020, many other Microsoft software products will reach end of

18

If you haven’t taken the necessary steps to upgrade your solutions reaching EOS in January 2020, it’s time to stop procrastinating and act today: Believe it or not, January is right around the corner.

When a product goes to End of Support, it will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide any support benefits like software updates, security packs, and critical updates and patches.

If you continue using these products beyond their EOS date, you run the risk of increasing the likelihood of cybercriminals infiltrating your networks and deploying viruses and malware.

What are your options when your products reach EOS?

Your options ultimately depend on the Microsoft products you’re still using.

If you’re still running Windows 7, which has nearly 31.8 percent of the Operating System market share, compared to 48.9 percent for Windows 10,

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Many IT providers already have migration projects scheduled for the remainder of the year, so finding a professional to assist you with upgrading your software and hardware won’t be easy; however, the sooner you begin reaching out to IT providers in your area, the more likely someone will be available to assist you with your EOS needs.

Even though you may not be an expert on EOS, you need to understand how it can impact your business if you don’t act quick enough to protect yourself from potential threats.

This article is courtesy of LammTech, www. lammtech.com, and originally appeared on their blog. The Missouri-based IT company has been in business for 20 years.

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November 2019 •

Texas Propane

19

Marketing Minute

The Four Questions Your Homepage Must Answer

By River Cartie 3. What makes you the best choice?

Explaining how you stand out from the competition and why customers should choose you can be the toughest part of homepage design. Your homepage needs to predict any objection from your website visitors before they can vocalize it. If you’re the third coffee shop to open up within walking distance from their apartment, your homepage has to prove yours is the one they want to visit.

One way to show that you’re the brand a customer can trust is by showing your experience. If you’ve been making customers happy and solving problems for 50 years, tell people that. If your coffee shop has live music or a unique variety of coffee beans, convey that so you can separate yourself from the competition.

The homepage to your website is the first impression, your first chance to convince potential customers that you can solve their problem. Of course, you want it to look good, but there’s so much more a homepage should do for your business.

When that page loads on their screen for the first time, you need it to answer four important questions, as quickly and clearly as possible: What is your product, who is it for, so what, and what should visitors do next?

1. What is your product or service?

You might think it’s obvious what your business is about, but even if the name of your company is Jerry’s Plumbing, there are still going to be questions from potential customers. Are you a commercial plumber, or residential, are you available 24/7 or only during normal business hours? The more clearly you can tell website visitors exactly what your business does, the more time you can spend convincing them you’re the one they should work with.

Rather than burying your explanation at the bottom of the page, make sure

20

you can convey your message at the top when the page loads, instead of needing a visitor to scroll to find out. Using photos can show what your product or service is much faster than text. Using supporting text will help drive the point home, but too much text will make viewers gloss over it, so write only a few lines. Images of your product being used by happy, satisfied clients will also help answer the next question.

2. Who is it for?

Explaining who your product is for can help potential customers know you’re there to help them. Spend some time researching your potential customer, even talking with your best customers, to find out who you should be structuring your marketing around.

Customer testimonials, social proof, and reviews can be helpful to show who has used your product or service in the past.

The more people that are happy with your product, the more likely visitors will think your product works. Photos of happy people using your product, who reflect your target audience, can be a good place to start.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

4. What should visitors do next?

Whether you want people to buy something online, to book an appointment with you, visit your shop in person, or just talk you up to a friend, you need to tell website visitors to do something. If you’re not clearly telling people what’s next, they may lose interest and click the back button, or worse, head to a competitor.

Call to action buttons, like read more or shop now, can be an easy way to drive customers to do something. Make the button stand out with contrast or bright colors and display it prominently. If you want people to send you an email or give you a call, make your contact info easy to find and make any contact forms simple and quick to fill out. The faster and easier a visitor can complete what you want them to do, the more likely they are to do it.

Put your homepage to the test

Once you’re pretty sure that your homepage answers the four questions above, it’s time to get an outside point of view and see if it still works for those who are new to your business and new to your homepage.

Sit down with people who have never seen your site, and who aren’t familiar with your brand. Use them as your test audience. Have them take a look at your homepage and make sure to take notes as they look it over and ask questions, or offer suggestions. Once they’re done viewing your homepage if they’re not clearly able to tell you the answers to the four questions above, then you still have some work to do.

After you’ve had a few test audience members look at your homepage, you may start to see patterns developing. If there’s a paragraph that they consistently skim over, perhaps the text is too long.

Try to get your point across more succinctly. If you find that they click away, instead of clicking on a call to action button, make the button more prominent–make it a brighter, more contrasting color or move it to a better location on the page.

After you make changes to your homepage, find a few more people who haven’t seen it before and have them take a look. And keep repeating this process to refine and improve your homepage.

Have confidence in your homepage

As the number of digital buyers around the world continues to increase, your homepage is often the first time a potential customer comes in contact with your business. It’s vital that your first impression is memorable, informative, and moves them to action.

If you’ve followed the steps above, you can be confident that your homepage is

letting your visitors know exactly what they need to know, right up front. Make their first impression a great impression — turning more visits into; inquiries, sales, donations, appointments, contacts, connections, and relationships.

This article originally appeared on Constant Contact’s blog, https://blogs.constantcontact. com/, and is reprinted with permission.

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November 2019 •

Texas Propane

21

Featured

Winter Outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center Warmer-than-average temperatures are forecast for much of the U.S. this winter according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. Although below-average temperatures are not favored, cold weather is anticipated and some areas could still experience a colder-than-average winter.

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Wetter-than-average weather is most likely across the Northern Tier of the U.S. during winter, which extends from December through February.

While the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern often influences the winter, neutral conditions are in place this year and expected to persist into the spring.

In the absence of El Nino or La Nina, longterm trends become a key predictor for the outlook, while other climate patterns, such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation and Arctic Oscillation (AO), will likely play a larger role in determining winter weather. For example, the AO influences the number of arctic air masses that intrude into the U.S., but its predictability is limited to a couple weeks.

“Without either El Nino or La Nina conditions, short-term climate patterns like the Arctic Oscillation will drive winter weather and could result in large swings in temperature and precipitation,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

This spring saw significant and historic flooding across the central U.S. that impacted nearly 17 million people. However, during the summer and early fall, drought rapidly developed across much of the South, with drought conditions now present across approximately 20% of the country.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Temperature

The greatest likelihood for warmerthan-normal conditions are in Alaska and Hawaii, with more modest probabilities for above-average temperatures spanning large parts of the remaining lower 48.

The Northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, and the western Great Lakes have equal chances for below-, near- or above-average temperatures.

No part of the U.S. is favored to have below-average temperatures this winter.

Precipitation

Wetter-than-average conditions are most likely in Alaska and Hawaii this winter, along with portions of the Northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, the Great Lakes and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Drier-than-average conditions are most likely for Louisiana, parts of Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma as well areas of northern and central California.

The remainder of the U.S. falls into the category of equal chances for below-, near-, or above-average precipitation.

Abnormally dry conditions are present across much of the Southern U.S., with areas of the most severe drought in the Four Corners region of the Southwest, central Texas and parts of the Southeast.

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November 2019 •

Texas Propane

23

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Minnie Louise Kern Roberts, mother of Bob Roberts, Jr., passed away on October 10, 2019. As a mother of three she spent much of her time raising her children while actively participating in her husband’s aerospace industry career and other business ventures. In 1972 the family moved to Devine, TX after purchasing Lytle Feed and Seed. Minnie worked with her husband Bob, expanding the company and everyday business operations while actively participating in their community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

In October Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Josh McAdams of McAdams Propane and Midstream Transportation to the board that works to conserve, store, control, preserve, use and distribute the waters of the Sabine river and its tributaries – the Sabine River Authority.

Annie Frances Ross, 71, mother of Chad Ross, passed away on Friday, October 25, 2019. For many years Ann and Bob operated Navasota LP Gas. Ann was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing her homemade treats with everyone. She loved following her grandchildren around to varied events serving as their biggest cheerleader. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

Check Your Mailboxes: Box of Propane Goodies

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has sent every propane company in the country a box filled with PERC. The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) encourages you to look through the marketing samples included in this package from PERC. These are just a few of the pieces you

can download from the resource catalog on Propane.com. The catalog has marketing materials to share with customers, as well as training and safety materials for your staff.

Content includes: Booklet with PERC Highlights Top Picks Brochure Homeowner Brochure Workforce Development Brochure

A special greeting to express to you our sincere appreciation for your business, your confidence and your loyalty.

Propane Can Do That® Toolkit Checklist 25 Propane Safety Booklets Propane Can Do That® Bumper Sticker Please feel free to call PERC at 202452-8975 with any questions about which materials support your goals. For a limited time, you can even get $50 off your PERC catalog order with the one-time coupon code that can be found in your marketing package.

Pros4Care Holds 12th Golf Benefit for Prostate Cancer Awareness

The Pros4Care golf benefit brings awareness in the propane industry to the prevalence of prostate cancer and the importance of regular exams.

Event organizers, prostate cancer survivors, company sponsors and other attendees again drove home that message Oct. 14 at the nonprofit organization’s 12th annual golf tournament, held at the Stonebridge Ranch Country Club in McKinney, Texas.

Members of the propane industry and backers of the event, including former NFL offensive lineman Flozell Adams (Cowboys/Steelers) and Steve Eagar, a reporter and news anchor for Fox 4 News in Dallas, were among about 100 attendees, according to organizers.

Eagar spoke to the golfers about his own experience with prostate cancer and

We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy

Thanksgiving Day Propane Service Corporation 800.392.0023 sales@propaneservicecorp.com www.propaneservicecorp.com Office closed Nov 28-29 Open 24/7 online

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Curtis Renfrow/Gulf Coast Propane, Josh McKay/Gas Equipment Co., Muggs Athey/Martin Gas (retired & a survivor), Jim Bishop/Bishop Energy-Enderby Gas, Jimmie Grant/Martin Gas, Lynn Gray/Dixie LP-Gas, J. R. Anderson/ Gas Equipment Co. Photo taken by Anna May Etheredge/Bishop EnergyEnderby Gas

Inside the Industry Propane Council Donates $5,000 to Project Evergreen’s Greencare for Troops

The Propane Education & Research Council donated $5,000 to Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program as part of an in-booth promotion conducted throughout GIE+EXPO week for contractors.

PERC announced the amount after tallying the total number of entries to its in-booth trailer giveaway sweepstakes.

On behalf of each contractor who entered the in-booth trailer giveaway sweepstakes,

PERC donated $5 to the GreenCare for Troops program.

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having to undergo prostate surgery two months ago. Because 1 in 9 men will face prostate cancer in their lifetime, Eagar says, regular checkups and early detection are integral to defeating the disease.

If detected early, prostate cancer is highly curable, he adds.

“Just like mammograms are important for breast cancer, PSA tests are important for men,” Eagar says. “Get it done, get it taken care of. It is painless. It’s just a blood test.”

He says the Pros4Care golfers “can make a difference by spreading the word.”

Pros4Care was founded in 2006 by propane industry members Pat Hyland, now of the Propane Education & Research Council; former Heritage Propane President Bill Powers; and Ed Varney of RegO Products. In addition to raising awareness of prostate cancer, Pros4Care educates patients with vital information and provides financial support when needed.

Pros4Care refers to “propane professionals promoting prostate health.”

Reprinted with permission from LP Gas magazine.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

FARM & RANCH

Other propane owners have come to our agency to get help with connecting their insurance pieces: Tis’ the season to remind your customers about some important winter tips.

Subscribe your customers to the Propane Council of Texas’ Winter Propane Living newsletter to get propane educational & marketing information to your customers.

Order in bulk to your office to hand out on your bobtail routes or provide us with a mailing list and the Propane Council of Texas will mail it for you.

ProCOT covers the postage and shipping. You are in charge of a $49 fulfillment fee and less than 4 cents per address/newsletter.

Subscribe your customers at www.propanecounciloftexas.org.

Questions? Call (800)325-7427 or email info@propanecounciloftexas.org by December 10, 2019.

1) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent.

2) Many have discovered a missing piece of coverage after meeting with us.

3) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available.

“We recommend Marshall Young Insurance to our business associates who are looking for a family style insurance company for their business needs. Whether by phone, email or in person – our concerns are always met with a prompt & courteous response.

They are concerned with our service from the beginning to end.”

— Jack Walzel Tri-Co Propane/TPGA President

WWW.MARSHALLYOUNG.COM

401 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne TX 76033 | 817-645-9155 MEMBER

November 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Inside the Industry “PERC is proud to support GreenCare for Troops, an organization that assists American service members and their families during deployment. Propane is an all-American fuel, and for many of the family-run, small businesses who make up much of the propane industry, supporting those who protect our nation is very important,” said Jeremy Wishart, PERC director of off-road business development. “We were excited to see how many lawn and landscape industry professionals participated in growing our donation

to GreenCare for Troops. To reflect that spirit, we are rounding up PERC’s total donation to $5,000.”

GreenCare for Troops connects families of active-duty deployed service members with professional lawn, landscape, and snow removal volunteers in all 50 states.

Volunteers provide free services to eligible families in their area for the length of their deployment, typically nine to 12 months.

PERC also presented Jim Langendorf, with Olympic Lawns from Springboro, Ohio, as the winner of its trailer giveaway

Experts at delivering QUALITY every time.

Visit Us Online: www.propanetank.com

TRUSTED & BEST

Quality | Customer Service | Delivery | People Warranty | Distribution Network | Inventory Quality is more than just our name.

We strive each and every day to provide our valued customers with the absolute best products and services available. We are family owned and appreciate the relationship we have with our customers. When you want the best...choose QUALITY. Brent Rogers

HOME OFFICE 2914 U.S. 61 Cleveland, MS 38732 800-345-2495 OHIO LOCATION 721 Graham Drive Fremont, OH 43420 419-334-2664 UTAH LOCATION 5601 Axel Park Rd. West Jordan, UT 84081 801-280-1133

Aboveground | Underground | Above/Underground Email: rogers@propanetank.com Dispenser | Anhydrous Ammonia

Cell: 662-719-0716

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

sweepstakes. In addition to the trailer itself, a 16-foot Big Tex Trailer, Langendorf took home an Exmark Lazer S-Series propane mower, a Spartan RTHD 61” propane mower, a Stihl cordless blower and cordless trimmer, a water cooler, and 25 safety vests and pairs of work gloves.

Additional donations to Project EverGreen can also be made online at ProjectEverGreen.org/Donate. For more information on using propane for landscaping, visit Propane.com/For-My-Business/Landscape-and-Turf-Management.

THIS IS WHERE WE'VE BEEN. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE GOING.

MOVING FUEL AHEAD OF EXPECTATION

WWW.MKGAS.COM 1-888-MKGASTX

J LIQUID TRANSPORATION J TANK INSTALLATIONS

J LP GAS INSTALLATIONS J FUEL SUPPLY November 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons

Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc Formerly, Southern Star Insurance Agency, Inc Cecil Joiner, Risk Manager cecil@garrettinsurance.com 1-800-545-2565 www.garrettinsurance.com

FOR SALE (2) 12,000 gallon, 250 psi, 2013 (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2003 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

BOBTAILS FOR SALE • Texas trucks, no rust, good to excellent condition • 1998 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2500 gal, tank, LC Register, Steel deck, Aluminum wheels, 45,386 miles on new motor in 2009 • 2005 Freightliner, Automatic, 3000 gal. tank, LC Meter, Aluminum deck, 180,968 miles on 230hp CAT • 2005 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2800 gal. tank, 300,000 miles.

Call or email for Pictures and Pricing @ 512-276-7800 or 1-800-696-3493 or sturner@directpropaneservices.com

2003 Kenworth T300 2500 gallon Propane Tank, 301K miles, 6 Speed

Asking $40K Contact: Steve or Wanda (361) 364-2284

CHERYL@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM or FEFE@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM, 830-964-2525

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar NOVEMBER

4 PERC Webinar Digital Ad Measurement https://www.candotraining.com 12-13 PERC Council Meeting Naples, Fl

Index to Advertisers BLT Tanks 11

JANUARY 2020

Cunningham Gas Products 19

1 TPGA & PSC closed for New Year’s Day

Ferrellgas 26 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

6 PERC Webinar Facebook/Social Media Plan Development https://www.candotraining.com

Gas Equipment Company 23 Lone Star Energy Group 19 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 23

19-21 Power-Gen International New Orleans, LA

23-24 PERC Trainer’s Conference

28-29 TPGA & PSC closed for Thanksgiving

21-23 NAHB International Builders Show Las Vegas, NV

MK Gas 27

FEBRUARY

Propane Service Corporation 24

Marshall Young Insurance 25 Meeder Equipment Co. 15

3 PERC Webinar Facebook/Social Media Calendar Development https://www.candotraining.com

DECEMBER

1 Duty to Warn Deadline

3-5 2020 AHR Expo Orlando, FL

2 PERC Webinar Online Reviews: Soliciting & Responding https://www.candotraining.com

4-5 WLPGA Technical Summit & Industry Council Meeting Washington, DC

10 Propane Living Newsletter Winter Deadline 17 DFW Clean Cities Annual Meeting & Fleet Recognition Awards Arlington, TX 24-25

11-13 World Ag Expo Tulare, CA

Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Quality Steel Corporation 26 Rural Computer Consultants 22 Transwest Trailers 21 White River Distributors 5

Find Us On Social Media

Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page

17 TPGA & PSC office closed for President’s Day 27-29 Farm Commodity Classic Show San Antonio, TX

TPGA & PSC closed for Christmas

Texas Propane Gas Association

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN TEXAS PROPANE MAGAZINE? For Advertising, contact: Joanne Pantaze at 512-273-2639 or by email at jpantaze@pvco.net

Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1 November 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Propane With Purpose

Propane Provides Kick for GoKarts/Karting

K

art racing is generally accepted as the most economic form of motorsport available on four wheels. As a free-time activity, it can be performed by almost anybody and authorize licensed racing for anyone from the age of 8 onward.

around since 2013. It doesn’t only keep the costs down, but also it teaches young drivers and their parents how to efficiently cut harmful emissions without necessarily adopting complex and costly technology, using readily available LPG instead.

Karting is an exciting motor sport, facilitating many future driving champions to discover their talents and master their abilities since their youth. Now, apart from helping young racers develop their skills, carting can also instruct them how to be eco-friendly.

The motor for this type of GoKarts is assembled to run exclusively on LPG, which is fed through a specially developed autogas carburettor.

Autogas engines work through internal combustion, with a revolving piston that powers the crankshaft of the engine. They range from standard 5 to 20 horsepower models and even more advanced designs that can reach up to 90 horsepower and speeds of over 300 kilometres an hour.

This sport can be practiced indoors and outdoors on special go kart tracks. It’s not surprising that because of the safety and environmental considerations LPG go karts were introduced by some major GoKarts manufacturers, especially when talking about indoor racing where children are frequent visitors.

GoKarting centers that feature only autogas-powered karts have been

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

These Karts range from 5 to 90 horsepower models and provide speeds of over 300 kilometres an hour. They also boast low emissions, more than 50 percent less compared to a petrol fueled kart. Additionally, propane provides lower maintenance costs and longer engine life.

MEMBER PERKS

Fall in love with the SAVINGS from the TPGA Tire Program Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) members can start saving on TOP TIRE BRANDS like Michelin, BF Goodrich and Yokohama through their local dealer by signing up for our tire program.

TPGA members call the association at (800)325-7427 for a tire credit application and start saving on tires. Please allow up to one week for approval.

�skinc.net Call for a quote today!

800-355-3475