competency in skills and knowledge through assessment tests,
but are not required to complete a specific number of hours.
Commercial Bobtail Driver, Propane
National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)
Work Process Content
On the Job Training
Follow all safety policies and regulations.
1
- Follow all safety policies and regulations.
Obtain the necessary license and meet DOT requirements necessary to operate a commercial vehicle with a tanker and hazmat endorsement.
1
- Obtain the necessary license and meet DOT requirements necessary to operate a commercial vehicle with a tanker and hazmat endorsement.
Perform tests and inspections that are unique to the type of equipment being operated.
1
- Perform tests and inspections that are unique to the type of equipment being operated.
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
1
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as fuel, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
1
- Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as fuel, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
Follow appropriate safety procedures for hazardous materials.
1
- Follow appropriate safety procedures for hazardous materials.
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
1
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
Maintain logs of working hours, vehicle service, and repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
1
- Maintain logs of working hours, vehicle service, and repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
Secure cargo tank to vehicle.
1
- Secure cargo tank to vehicle.
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions.
1
- Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions.
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
1
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
Obtain receipts and/or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required by employer.
1
- Obtain receipts and/or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required by employer.
Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons to transport and deliver bulk products.
1
- Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons to transport and deliver bulk products.
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
1
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Read shipping papers to determine assignment details.
1
- Read shipping papers to determine assignment details.
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
1
- Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
Drive trucks along routes in compliance with state regulations.
1
- Drive trucks along routes in compliance with state regulations.
Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid or performing minor repairs.
1
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid or performing minor repairs.
Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
1
- Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, phones, and global positioning systems (GPS), and other navigation devices safely and according to applicable regulations to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
1
- Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, phones, and global positioning systems (GPS), and other navigation devices safely and according to applicable regulations to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) or other navigation devices.
1
- Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) or other navigation devices.
Load or unload trucks, using special loading-related equipment, or other equipment as necessary including pumps and compressors.
1
- Load or unload trucks, using special loading-related equipment, or other equipment as necessary including pumps and compressors.
Follow special cargo-related procedures related to bulk propane deliveries.
1
- Follow special cargo-related procedures related to bulk propane deliveries.
Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
1
- Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains.
1
- Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains.
Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires, installing light bulbs, or replacing fuses.
1
- Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires, installing light bulbs, or replacing fuses.
Operate trucks in inclement weather like rain and snowy conditions.
1
- Operate trucks in inclement weather like rain and snowy conditions.
Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
1
- Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
Turn in receipts and required paper work from deliveries.
1
- Turn in receipts and required paper work from deliveries.
Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
1
- Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
Use and maintain the tools or equipment found on commercial vehicles.
1
- Use and maintain the tools or equipment found on commercial vehicles.
Present bills, bill of lading, and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
1
- Present bills, bill of lading, and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations to bases or other vehicles, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.
1
- Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations to bases or other vehicles, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.
Related Instruction Content
Training Provider(s):
Basic Principles and Practices of Propane
(Certification) 1. Organizations that Influence, Publish or Enforce Codes and Standards 2. Introduction to Basic Principles and Practices of Propane 3. Propane Customer Applications and Customer Service 4. Sources and Physical Properties of Propane 5. Odorants and Service Interruptions 6. Complete and Incomplete Combustion Characteristics 7. DOT Cylinders, Propane Piping, and Residential Systems 8. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Regulations 9. Updated or New Federal, State, and Local Regulations and Policies
Initial OSHA/DOT Training
1. Introduction to OSHA and DOT Training 2. OSHA Hazard Communication 3. DOT General Awareness HAZMAT Training 4. Emergency Response 5. Loading and Unloading 6. CMV Driver Requirements 7. Vehicle Inspection 8. Cylinder Safety 9. Materials of Trade 10. Security
Introduction to Bobtail Delivery Operations
Safety
DOT Licensing and Driving Requirements
DOT Driver Qualifications a) Commercial Motor Vehicle Definition b) Personal Qualifications c) Documentation Requirements d) Other Requirements 1. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Information a) Requirements b) CDL Classifications c) CDL Endorsements d) Hazardous Materials Endorsement 2. Drug and Alcohol Awareness a) Drug and Alcohol Restrictions b) Testing c) Post-accident Drug and Alcohol Testing
Vehicle Inspections, Identification, and Maintenance
1. Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance a) Importance b) Preparing for Inspections c) Types of Inspections d) Types of Daily Inspections e) Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections f) Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements g) Post-Trip Inspection Requirements h) Annual/Periodic Inspections and Maintenance 2. Vehicle Identification Requirements a) Verifying Proper Vehicle Identification b) Bobtail Identification Requirements c) Bobtail Placards d) Placarding Methods e) Bobtail Product Shipping Name f) Bobtail Data Plates 3. Vehicle Documentation Requirements a) Shipping Papers b) Emergency Response Information c) Complying with Emergency Response d) Information Requirements e) Hazmat Certificate of Registration f) Documentation Requirements
Safely Handling Hazardous Materials
1. Methanol and Other Flammable Liquids a) Commonly Used Flammable Liquids b) Methanol c) Hazards of Methanol d) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) e) Indoor Storage Requirements f) Outdoor Storage Requirements g) Labeling Storage Containers h) Transferring Flammable Liquids i) Transferring Flammable Liquids as Materials of Trade j) Other Flammable Liquids 2. Verifying Propane Odorization a) Propane Odorization Requirements b) The Sniff Test c) Handling Unodorized Propane 3. Out-of-Gas Calls and Leak Checks a) Potential Causes of an Interruption of Service b) Minimizing Out-of-Gas Calls c) Handling Out-of-Gas Situations d) Handling Out-of-Gas Situations: Appliance Access e) Handling Out-of-Gas Situations: No Appliance Access f) Leak Check g) Performing a Leak Check h) Appliances with 100% Safety Shutoff Valves i) Appliances Without 100% Safety Shutoff Valves j) Leak Check Instruments k) Leak Check Methods l) Using a Manometer m) Performing a Leak Check Using a Manometer n) Using a Test-Block Gauge o) Performing a Leak Check Using a Test-Block Gauge p) Using a High-Pressure Gauge q) Performing a Leak Check Using a High-Pressure Gauge r) Discovering a Leak s) Restoring Gas Appliance to Service t) Lighting Appliance Pilots u) Lighting a Standing Pilot 4. Restoring Service a) Steps for Lighting Pilots Without Pilot Safety Devices b) Steps for Starting Up Electronic Control Ignition Systems
Driving Defensively and Handling Accidents and Emergencies
1. Driving Defensively a) Safe Driving Practices b) Defensive Driving Tips c) Maintaining Vehicle Control d) High Center of Gravity e) Load and Suspension Shifts f) Tire Condition g) Re-inflating Tires h) Blowouts i) Blind Spots j) Weather and Road Conditions k) Skids l) Control of Your Vehicle/Rollover Awareness m) Preventing Collisions 2. Selecting the Safest Delivery Route and Protecting Property a) Routing CMVs and Protecting Property b) Routing Bobtails c) Railroad Crossings d) Bridges and Culvert Crossings on Customer Property e) Protecting Landscaping and Structures 3. Handling Accidents and Emergencies a) When Accidents and Emergencies Happen b) Handling Accidents with No Propane Leak: Take Initial Precautions c) Handling Accidents with No Propane Leak: Ensure Safe Conditions d) Handling Emergencies with a Propane Leak e) Fire Extinguishers f) Non-Propane Fire Control Actions g) Accidents and Emergencies h) Hazard Warning Signal Flashers i) Warning Devices j) Warning Devices: Additional Guidelines k) DOT Notification Requirements l) Reporting Accident/Incident Details to Your Company
Parking, Servicing, and Security
1. Parking and Servicing Requirements a) Parking Indoors at Public Garages or Buildings b) Parking Indoors at Non-Public Buildings c) Parking Outdoors d) Servicing Cargo Tanks and Piping Systems e) Servicing the Engine/Chassis in a Public Garage – Vehicle Attended f) Servicing the Engine/Chassis in a Public Garage – Vehicle Unattended g) Servicing the Engine/Chassis in a Non-Public Building h) Servicing Requirements 2. Security of Propane Delivery Vehicles a) Importance of Vehicle Security b) Attending Your Vehicle c) Security Training and Communications
Bobtail Equipment and Systems
1. Cargo Tank and Connections a) Common Bobtail Equipment and Systems b) Different Bobtail Equipment and Systems c) Cargo Tank d) Data Plate e) Gauges, Valves, and Connections f) Fixed Maximum Liquid Level Gauge g) Float Gauge h) Rotary Gauge i) Temperature and Pressure Gauges j) The Importance of Understanding Cargo Tank Gauges k) Pressure Relief Valves l) Liquid Fill Connection m) Vapor Equalizing Connection n) Internal Valves o) Manual Internal Valves p) Pressure Differential Internal Valves q) Excess Flow Valves 2. Pumps and Associated Systems a) Bobtail Pump b) Power Take-Off (PTO) Assembly c) Engine Pumping Speeds d) Pump Bypass System 3. Meters, Hoses, and Emergency Discharge Control Equipment a) Liquid Meters b) Liquid Delivery Hoses c) Emergency Discharge Control Equipment
Bobtail Inspections
1. Walk-Around and Pre-Transfer Inspections a) Walk-Around Inspection b) Pre-Transfer Inspection c) Cargo Tank Discharge System: Rejection Criteria d) Delivery Hose and Assembly: Rejection Criteria e) Emergency Discharge Control Equipment: Rejection Criteria 2. Monthly, Annual, and Five-Year Inspections a) Monthly Inspections b) Inspecting the Delivery Hose and Assembly c) Documenting the Monthly Inspection d) Annual and Five-Year Cargo Tank Inspections
Loading Bobtails
1. Bulk Plant Loading Systems and Equipment a) Bulk Plant Design Variations b) Single and Multiple Tank Bulk Plants c) Understanding Bulk Plant Transfer Operations d) Liquid Transfer Pumps and Vapor Compressors e) Transfer Hoses f) Emergency Shutdown Systems g) Systems and Equipment 2. Filling a Bobtail Using a Plant Pump a) Prepare for Loading Operation b) Check the Liquid Level Gauges c) Ensure Valves are Closed and Check Hoses d) Connect the Transfer Hoses e) Perform the Sniff Test f) Fill the Cargo Tank g) Disconnect Hoses and Prepare Bobtail for Travel 3. Other Loading Methods a) Vapor Compressor b) Auxiliary Pump Inlet
Unloading Bobtails
1. Transfer Site Hazards a) Inspect the Transfer Site b) Hazards at Residential Customer Sites c) Hazards at Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Sites d) Containers and Installations 2. Filling Propane Storage Containers at Customer Location a) Unloading Safety Precautions b) Containers at Customer Locations c) Unloading the Bobtail at the Bulk Plant
Injecting Methanol and Evacuating Containers
1. ASME Tank Requirements (Begins on Page 263 of CETP) a) DOT and ASME Containers b) ASME Tank Size c) ASME Tank Design Information d) Valves and Gauges on ASME Stationary Tanks e) Aboveground ASME Tanks f) Underground ASME Tanks g) Parts, Valves, and Gauges on ASME Vehicle Mounted Tanks 2. Examining Customer Containers and Installations a) Inspect the Supporting Foundation b) Inspect Container Location: Aboveground ASME Tanks c) Inspect Container Location: Underground ASME Tanks d) Inspect Container Location: DOT Stationary Cylinders e) Inspect Container Information f) Inspect Overall Fitness g) Inspect Valves h) Inspect Pressure Regulator(s) 3. Injecting Methanol into Containers a) Methanol Hazards b) Preparing to Inject Methanol c) Preparing to Inject Methanol into a Negative Pressure Container d) Steps for Injecting Methanol into a Negative Pressure Container e) After Injecting Methanol into a Negative Pressure Container f) Preparing to Inject Methanol into a Positive Pressure Container g) Steps for Injecting Methanol into a Positive Pressure Container h) After Injecting Methanol into a Positive Pressure Container 4. Evacuation Equipment a) Portable Compressors b) Bobtail Pumps c) Liquid Transfer Hose d) Vapor Hose e) Liquid Withdrawal Valves f) Liquid Transfer Valves g) Additional Equipment 5. Evacuation Procedures a) Pre-Transfer Review b) Evacuation Safety Precautions c) The Portable Compressor Method d) The Bobtail Pump Method