Page 7 - july-august 2021

LP gas board | comments & reviews

y the time you read this article it is most likely universal joints, and other normal recurring repairs
July and let me be the first to express the Remember that “an ounce of prevention is worth a
mantra common within the propane industry, pound of cure!”
B“I can’t wait for winter!” While propane sales Finally, bulk plants are another area that a little
understandably dip during this time of the year, there maintenance in the summer can prevent winter issues
are still many important tasks related to maintenance such as unnecessary accidents or condemnation by
and preparation for the coming season that are vital a board inspector due to problems such as damaged
to complete during this slower time I can remember hoses or non-functioning emergency shut-off valves
pouring sweat as a bobtail driver or service technician Emergency shut-off valves and internal valves are
as we used this time of year to paint tanks located supposed to work with remote pull every day of the
in the field at our customer’s homes and businesses. year and not just during summer inspections by the
Though not a popular maintenance chore among board Similarly, hoses should also be in safe working
industry employees, it is one that is vital to preserve order with no damage meeting rejection criteria as
containers Obviously, all customer tanks cannot be identified in code. Another facet of bulk plants that
painted each season, but you can focus your efforts it is critically important to the safety of employees
on those in most need each year by identifying them is the secondary means of escape Are secondary
throughout the year Instruct bobtail drivers to identify gates and locks functional? Are they being opened
tanks that most need painting during the next warm routinely by personnel during loading and unloading
season Simply note “paint tank” on the delivery operations? Is there a lock on the escape gate with a
ticket and instruct office personnel to compile a list missing key for which no one knows the location?
of the customer names to be used for narrowing the Summer maintenance in these and similar areas
focus of maintenance efforts Steel is too expensive can provide for greater safety of employees and
to allow unnecessary deterioration, and paint also consumers and a smoother delivery season during the
provides reflectivity for extreme summer temperatures upcoming winter that we all hope is filled with a cold
and sunlight to help deter pressure increases within that would feel so wonderful in Alabama right now
containers that can lead to relief valve actuation Happy 4th of July to all and as always let us know if the
Another area of maintenance that can be Alabama LP-Gas Board can assist you in any way Stay
extremely helpful to prepare for the coming winter informed of board information on our website at www
season is bobtail maintenance I realize that drivers lpgb alabama gov ■
should be inspecting their vehicles daily as required
by state and federal regulations, but
summer affords the opportunity to
go a little further with maintenance
inspections Delivery trucks get “caked”
during the wet winter months with mud
on the underside of the chassis that often Bobtails to Bulkplants

dries and becomes stubbornly attached
while concealing mechanical issues
that might require attention Drivers can
take advantage of the warm season
to pressure wash the underside of their New Bobtails Betts Vapor Proof Lights: New Installations
Refurbished Bobtails complete stock of lights, lens Maintenance & Repairs
vehicles to allow for more thorough Hydrostatic Testing & accessories All Work Performed to NFPA 58
Code Upgrades
Annual VK Inspections
inspection For example, engine oil or Annual DOT Inspections Chelsea PTO & Equipment: Storage Plant Acquisition & Removal
power take offs, drive shafts
transmission fluid leaks identified and Base Engineering Shutdown & accessories
addressed in the slower season can FREE ESTIMATES
prevent possible break down during the
40 Industry Drive Jason Gamble, Owner (256) 593-2420
busy winter months The same principle Boaz, AL 35956 (205) 616-9084 (800) 757-6639
applies to brakes, tires, hoses, belts, Email: lptrucks256@aol.com Fax: (256) 593-2460

7 Alabama Propane Gas Association | July / August 2021