Published: 03-18-08
AUSTIN—For the last three years the Texas Railroad Commission has been training both volunteer and full-time firefighters around the state on how to respond to emergencies involving propane. The Railroad Commission— Texas’ chief energy agency—has been in charge of propane safety in the state for more than 50 years and offers free propane training to urban as well as rural fire departments.
Since March 2005 the Commission’s Alternative Fuels Division has held 90 classes from El Paso to Beaumont and Bovina to Harlingen. More than 2000 firefighters from 300 departments have completed the training.
Besides hazard identification and response techniques each class covers propane safety topics ranging from barbecue cylinders to residential tanks and commercial bulk installations.
The instructor Thomas Petru is a nationally recognized expert with 35 years’ experience in propane safety at the Railroad Commission.
Chairman Michael L. Williams said “The Commission offers these free propane classes for local fire departments statewide. The classes familiarize firefighters with propane’s physical and chemical properties and explain the safety features of propane tanks and equipment. This is specialized training that is often not readily
available elsewhere.”
Commissioner Victor G. Carrillo noted that every class is co-sponsored by one or more local propane marketers. “The 93 propane companies that have worked with us so far play a key role in the training”
Carrillo said. “They bring their bobtails and show the firefighters features such as a remote shutoff device that can stop the flow of fuel and shut down a truck’s engine from 150 feet away.”
“Good things happen when agency experts industry professionals and emergency responders meet to share information” said Commissioner Elizabeth Jones. “Participating fire departments and propane marketers deserve special recognition for their efforts to learn more about how to handle propane safely.”
No matter if your fire department is in a big city or rural full-time or volunteer just call (800) 64-CLEAR to request free propane training.
