3.6.2 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Many propane marketers receive railcar bulk propane shipments. Well-trained personnel

3.6.2 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

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:

1. Railcar documentation necessary before the car is accepted for delivery

2. Procedures for determining railcar conditions before the car is accepted for delivery

3. Procedures for spotting the railcar at the unloading riser

3.6.2Identifying Railcar Documentation,

Condition, and Spotting Procedures

3.6.2 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1 & 2

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 3 & 4

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

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.



Figure 2. Tank Car Unloading Riser



Identifying the Procedures for Spotting the Railcar at the Unloading Riser.

Figure 3. Setting Tank Car Brakes

• 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.

Wear heavy gloves when placing chock blocks. Never place hands between the chock blocks and the wheels of the tank car.


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


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.


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 Pages 7 - 9

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.

Documents

3.6.2 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Many propane marketers receive railcar bulk propane shipments. Well-trained personnel