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Win t er Sa f e ty
Winter Safety

s the days grow shorter and colder tempera- Make sure your team is aligned on:
tures loom, propane professionals must begin • Performing and documenting leak checks
planning for the challenges of the winter • Communicating clearly with customers during and
Aseason. From employee and vehicle safety after service calls
to equipment maintenance and customer education, • Using proper tags and materials when customers
taking time in August to prepare can make a significant are not home
difference in ensuring a smooth, safe, and productive
winter. Prepare for Regulator Freeze-Ups
Prioritize Employee Safety Regulator freeze-ups are a common winter
challenge. These occur primarily due to the presence of
One of the first considerations should be the water, which can freeze and block the regulator inlet, or
safety of your team in winter conditions. Cold weather even prevent the regulator from shutting off properly.
introduces several hazards, particularly slips, falls, and
exposure to harsh elements. Ensure that your employ- To prevent freeze-ups:
ees are outfitted with the appropriate gear, including: • Ensure regulators and tanks are properly sized for

• Insulated winter clothing demand
• Ice cleats to prevent slipping on icy surfaces • Install regulators and pigtails so that any conden-
• Snow shovels and brooms to keep walkways and sate drains back into the container
work areas clear • Add methanol to the propane supply if water con-
• Salt or other de-icing agents for steps, driveways, tamination is suspected
and work zones Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines

Equipping staff with these tools helps reduce when using methanol, including appropriate dosage
accidents and keeps operations running safely and effi- and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
ciently during inclement weather.
Plan Ahead for a Safer Winter:
Inspect Vehicle Readiness

Vehicle safety is just as critical. A winter-ready The winter season is
fleet ensures timely deliveries and service calls, even a busy time for propane
during storms or icy conditions. Evaluate your vehicles marketers. A proactive ap-
now to avoid issues later:
• Check tire tread and overall condition proach in late summer can
• Verify that snow chains are available and functional make the months ahead far
• Stock vehicles with snow shovels, brooms, and
windshield de-icing products more manageable. Wheth-
• Inspect heating systems, batteries, and fluids to er it’s outfitting your team,
withstand freezing temperatures

By ensuring your fleet is winterized, you’ll mini- inspecting your vehicles, or
mize downtime and maintain service reliability through- brushing up on customer
out the season. safety procedures, a little
Review Your “Out of Gas” Policy preparation now goes a long

Before warm weather disappears, revisit your
company’s out-of-gas policy. These situations can cause way in protecting your team
logistical headaches and safety risks, so it’s essential and your customers.■
that all employees understand the procedures.

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