3.6.2 CETP Instructor PowerPoint Template

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• Many propane marketers receive railcar bulk
  propane shipments. Well-trained personnel are
  necessary for the safe and efficient handling of
  these deliveries.
• In this module you will learn to identify
• Railcar documentation necessary before the car is
  accepted for delivery
• Procedures for determining railcar conditions
  before the car is accepted for delivery
• Procedures for spotting the railcar at the
  unloading riser

3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 1
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Identifying Railcar Documentation Necessary
Before the Car is Accepted for Delivery

• Railcar documentation is accomplished by
  evaluation of the bill of lading, shipping
  papers, railcar release forms.
• The bill of lading verifies the contents of the
  car.

Figure 1. Bill of Lading
3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 1 2
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Identifying Procedures for Determining Railcar
Condition Before the Car is Accepted for
Delivery.

• Inspect the Tank Car
• Attach the bill of lading to the clipboard and
  walk completely around the tank car. Check the
  tank and head shields for fresh dents, gouges,
  and structural damage. If significant damage or
  leaks of any kind are found, notify your
  supervisor at once. Inspect the hand brakes.
• Check the tank to be sure it is marked PROPANE or
  LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, and carries FLAMMABLE
  GAS placards in holders on each side and end.
• Check the identification or serial number to make
  sure it matches the number shown on the bill of
  lading.
• Check the deign information on the tank to be
  sure it shows one of the approved DOT design
  codes for tank cars. The markings are usually
  stenciled onto the tank immediately beneath the
  identification number, but occasionally they may
  be found stamped into the metal at the centers of
  the tank heads. In either case, they should
  specify one of the following DOT design codes
  105A-, 112A-, 112J-, 112T-, or 114A. If the tank
  car is improperly marked or the tank
  identification number does not match the one
  shown on the bill of lading, notify your
  supervisor at once

3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 3 4
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Identifying Procedures for Determining Railcar
Condition Before the Car is Accepted for
Delivery.

• Inspect the Tank Car
• Climb the unloading riser and lower the platform
  to gain access to the dome and tank car openings.
  
• Examine the seal on the dome lid for evidence of
  tampering. If the seal has been broken or
  tampered with in any way, notify your supervisor.
  Otherwise, clip the seal, attach it to the
  clipboard along with the bill of lading, and open
  the dome.

Caution Be sure the platform is properly seated
and secured before crossing over to the tank car.
Be careful when climbing or working on the
riser, especially in wet or icy weather.
Caution Before opening the dome, be sure there
are no sources of ignition around the railcar.
Also, avoid creating sparks when opening or
working in the dome. If one of the fittings is
leaking, the dome may be filled with propane
vapor.
3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 4
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Identifying Procedures for Determining Railcar
Condition Before the Car is Accepted for
Delivery.
Figure 2. Tank Car Unloading Riser
3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 3
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Identifying the Procedures for Spotting the
Railcar at the Unloading Riser.

• To ensure the brakes are fully set, check the
  handwheel at the end of the tank car to be sure
  it has been turned as far to the right as it will
  go (Figure 3).
• Place chock blocks in front of and behind one set
  of wheels of the tank car.

Figure 3. Setting Tank Car Brakes
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Identifying the Procedures for Spotting the
Railcar at the Unloading Riser.

• A blue warning flag, sign or notice should be
  placed between the rails at least one car length
  away from the car you are working on. It should
  read STOP TANK CAR CONNECTED or STOP MEN AT
  WORK.
• The sign must be made of metal, and be at least
  twelve (12) by fifteen (15) inches in size. The
  word STOP must be in letters at least four
  inches high and the remaining letters should be
  at least two inches high. The letters must be
  white on a blue background. (Figure 4)

Figure 4. Warning Signs Placed On Tracks Fore
and Aft of Tank Car
3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 5
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Review of Actions Necessary Before Accepting
Delivery of the Tank Car

• Check defect holders for possible defect card,
  indicating damage during shipment.
• Inspect safety appliances including hand brakes,
  running boards and handrails.
• Check placards and holders.
• Check tank car marking, including
• tank car number
• light weight
• gallon capacity
• hazardous materials markings or names
• commodity markings
• tank car classification
• Dates the safety release valve and tank need to
  be retested.
• Check general condition of tank exterior.

3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 6
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Review of Actions Necessary Before Accepting
Delivery of the Tank Car

• Check all the valves and fittings used for
  loading and unloading the tank car. This will
  necessitate going up on the car, opening the dome
  lid, and evaluating each valve or fitting. If
  any of the valves leak, DO NOT UNLOAD CAR.
• Open sample valve if it releases vapor-sniff test
  for odorant.
• Check thermometer well cap and plugs, and safety
  relief valve.
• Check gauge device.
• Verify volume of product shown on the weight bill
  by checking the liquid level with the gauge
  device.
• If it is found that there is no damage to the
  tank, no leaks, or other malfunctions and the
  tank car is correctly spotted you may provide
  notice to the rail company that you are accepting
  delivery of the car and prepare for unloading

3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 6
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Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This
Module

• Complete the Review on page 7 8.
• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam
  by checking off the performance criteria on page
  9.

3.6.2 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Pages 7 - 9