Page 7 - jan-feb2021

LP gas board | comments & reviews

s you read this article, I trust that many require much speculation Therefore, it is critical
of you are busy with the winter season that propane dealers avoid tampering or the
Unfortunately, as heating demand appearance of tampering with fire scenes.
Aincreases, so do the number of fires The typical scenario following an incident
throughout the state The causes of heat related begins with reporting the incident to the board
fires can range from incorrect use of electric While we expect you to complete and submit the
space heaters and extension cords, improper form we provide, code also requires that you call
maintenance of wood burning chimneys, us immediately to begin the process Telephoning
combustibles too close to space heaters, propane us allows us to gauge the totality of the situation
leaks not identified following interruptions of service, and respond immediately, if necessary The
and a multitude of other possibilities board telephone number is (334) 241-8887, and a
It is very important that you report any message detailing further contact information is
incidents to the Alabama LP-Gas Board Alabama provided when you call after-hours or on weekends
LP-Gas Board regulation 530-X-2- 05 Reporting Information gathered as soon as possible after
Incidents / Vehicle Accidents / Complaints requires incidents, whether through scene investigation
that permit holders report to the board incidents or witness interviews, is often critical in properly
involving fires, explosions, propane release, and the determining the cause of an incident
like that occur where an LP-gas system is installed If you are unsure whether or not you should
The regulation requires that incidents be reported report something to the board, play it safe and
immediately upon learning of them The regulation call us for guidance We communicate regularly
mandates the reporting of specific information with the Alabama Fire Marshall’s office, and they
about the incident and related customer history often provide information that eliminates LP-gas
This information should be submitted to the board as the possible cause of an incident Therefore, as
on an Incident Reporting Form available on the soon as we learn about an incident we have the
board’s website at www.lpgb.alabama.gov under Forms opportunity to begin communications with other
The purpose for reporting the incident, along investigative entities to gather critical information ■
with all pertinent information, to the board is to help
the administrator of the board determine if LP-gas or
its handling could have been a contributing factor WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCE
to the incident If the administrator determines FROM AMERICA’S
that LP-gas could have been a contributing factor, INDUSTRY LEADER
then an investigation will be conducted by a board
inspector While it’s true that information gathered PRODUCTS:
during a fire investigation might reveal improper • New TRANSPORT TRAILERS
actions by a propane dealer, these investigations • New BOBTAILS
• New BULK STORAGE TANKS
can sometimes eliminate LP-gas as the cause or Ask about availability of
vindicate the actions of propane personnel used or refurbished
In recent years, a fire involving fatalities transport trailers and bobtails
came to the attention of the Alabama LP-Gas SERVICES:
Board through communication with a deputy • Refurbishing & Repairs
of the Alabama State Fire Marshall An LP-gas • Blasting & Painting
system was installed at the home involved in the • 5-Year Inspections
• Annual Inspections
fire. The Fire Marshall’s office worked the scene • Stress Relieving
on the day that it occurred, and contacted our • Parts
office requesting an inspector the following day to
investigate the LP-Gas system The Fire Marshall’s PROUDLY MANUFACTURED & ASSEMBLED IN THE USA
office taped off the scene for the purpose of
continuing their investigation the next day Upon MISSISSIPPI
arriving at the scene the next day, it was discovered TANK COMPANY
that the propane tank and “yard line” had been HEADQUARTERS INDIANA DIVISION
removed from the scene by the propane dealer P O Drawer 1391 1301 East Elkhorn Road
Once equipment is removed from the scene, the Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1391 Vincennes, IN 47591-8004
PH: 800-331-8265 ext. 224
PH: 812-886-8265
scene has been altered, and investigation by the FAX: 601-264-0769 FAX: 812-886-8979
EMAIL: sales@mstank.com
EMAIL: salesid@mstank.com
Alabama LP-Gas Board is futile because it would www .mstank.com

7 Alabama Propane Gas Association | January / February 2021