3.6.5 CETP Instructor PowerPoint Template

1

• Unloading propane railcars requires well-trained
  and qualified persons. They must be
  knowledgeable in handling hazardous materials and
  understand the bulk plant and its procedures.
• In this module you will learn to identify
• Regulatory requirements relating to railcar
  unloading
• Safety precautions related to the transfer of
  propane from railcars
• Positioning the railcar/spotting procedures
• and check the valves and fittings used in
  unloading the railcar
• Procedures for unloading the railcar
• Unloading and releasing procedures

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Identify regulatory requirements relating to
railcar unloading
DOT regulations require employers to train and
test every employee directly involved in the
transportation of hazardous materials. This
requirement also includes personnel who inspect,
load or unload pressurized railcars used in
LP-gas transportation.
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Identify regulatory requirements relating to
railcar unloading

• Some specific regulations that are pertinent
  include
• 49 CFR 173.31, Qualifications, Maintenance, and
  Use of Railcars
• 49 CFR, Part 172, Subparts H Training, and I
  Security Plans
• 49 CFR, Part 174, Carriage By Rail, Subparts A, B
  and C
• 49 CFR Part 179, Specifications for Railcars and
  179.7 Quality Assurance Program
• 49 CFR 180.509, Requirements for Inspection and
  Test of Specification Railcars

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Identify regulatory requirements relating to
railcar unloading

• Other regulations or standards adopted by
  reference that may apply
• Include
• AAR, Manual of Standards and Recommended
  Practices, M-1002, Appendix C, Railcar Marking
  Requirements
• AAR, Field Manual Rules, 70, 88, 89, and 90
• CGSB 43.147-97
• Abbreviations
• AAR Association of American Railroads
• CGSB Canadian General Standards Board

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Identifying Safety Precautions Related to the
Transfer of Propane From Railcars

• The following are precautions that apply
• Remove all sources of ignition from the transfer
  area before beginning the railcar unloading
  operation.
• A minimum 18 pound BC fire extinguisher must be
  accessible to and within the work area of the
  unloading operator. NFPA 10 states an
  extinguisher must be conspicuously located where
  they will be readily accessible and immediately
  available, preferably along normal paths of
  travel including exits from areas.
• Wear heavy vinyl gloves, eye protection, and
  other appropriate personal protective equipment
  (PPE) during the entire unloading operation.
• Never drag a hose connector or hose-end valve
  across the ground, railcar walkway or riser
  platform.

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Identifying Safety Precautions Related to the
Transfer of Propane From Railcars

• The following are precautions that apply
• Never carry a valve by the handwheel or operating
  lever. Always carry it by the valve body with
  the outlet pointed away from the body.
• Never leave the transfer operation unattended.
  If you must leave the area for any reason except
  an emergency, always stop the compressor, close
  all valves, and disconnect and stow all transfer
  hoses.
• Be sure of the following conditions
• railcar wheels are chocked
• railcar brakes are set
• derail is set to the derailing position
• railcar and spur entrance(s) are flagged
• rail car is inspected
• product identity and quality is verified before
  making hose connections

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Identifying Safety Precautions Related to the
Transfer of Propane From Railcars

• The following are precautions that apply
• If a leak or fire occurs during the transfer
  operation, close the plant emergency shutoff
  valves (ESVs) from a remote emergency shutdown
  station, and shut down the compressor
  immediately.
• Do not unload a railcar with obvious mechanical
  defects or damage.
• Do not stand or place any body part directly
  above the slip tube (gauge rod) when using
  itinternal pressure may force the rod upward
  with considerable force and cause severe injury.

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Identifying Safety Precautions Related to the
Transfer of Propane From Railcars
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• 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 or gouges,
  and structural damage. If significant damage is
  found or leaks of any kind, notify the supervisor
  at once.
• Check the tank to be sure it is marked PROPANE or
  LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS. 3.6.5.7 And carries
  FLAMMABLE GAS placards in holders on each side
  and at each end.
• Check the tank car identification of serial
  number to make sure it matches the number shown
  on the bill of lading.

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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Inspect the Tank Car
• 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 the
  supervisor at once.
• Climb the unloading riser and lower the platform
  to gain access to the dome and tank car openings.

Caution Be sure the platform is properly seated
and secured before crossing over to the tank car.
Exercise caution when climbing or working on the
riser, especially in wet or icy weather.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Inspect the Tank Car
• Examine the seal on the dome lid carefully for
  evidence of tampering. If the seal has been
  broken or tampered with in any way, notify the
  supervisor. Otherwise, clip the seal, attach it
  to the clipboard along with the bill of lading,
  and open the dome.

Caution Before opening dome, be sure that all
sources of ignition have been removed from the
area. 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.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Inspect the Tank Car
• Inspect the valving inside the dome carefully for
  leaks, damage, and missing parts. Be sure all
  fittings are tightly plugged and that valves,
  operators, and gauges are free from damage that
  would create a hazard during unloading.

NOTE If there is evidence of a leak inside
the dome, locate the source and correct if
possible. Generally, leaks from valve openings
can be stopped by fully closing the valve. Leaks
from the packing on the slip tube gauge or on
valve operators can be corrected by tightening
the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. All
other leaks-from the relief valve, the flanges of
liquid or vapor valves, or any other source that
communicates directly with the inside of the
tank- should be reported the supervisor
immediately and noted on the bad order tag
enclosed in the dome. Never attempt to unload a
tank car if it has a leak that cannot be
corrected.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Inspect the Tank Car
• Inspect the safety appliances such as hand
  brakes, running boards, and handrails

Caution Keep eyes, face and other parts of the
body away from the relief valve opening when
working in the dome.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Gauge and Test the Contents of the Tank Car
• In order to sniff test and gauge the contents
  of the tank car
• Conduct a sniff test on the propane by quickly
  opening and closing the sampling valve to vent a
  small amount of liquid to the atmosphere. If the
  presence of odorant cannot be detected or if
  large amounts of water appear at the valve
  opening during the sniff test, notify the
  supervisor before continuing the operation.
• Check for leaks around the plug on the
  thermometer well, then remove the plug with a
  wrench.

Caution If propane begins to escape around the
plug threads, retighten the plug and fill out a
bad order tag. DO NOT REMOVE THE PLUG.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Gauge and Test the Contents of the Tank Car
• In order to sniff test and gauge the contents
  of the tank car
• Check the fluid level in the thermometer well.
  If necessary, top up the well with antifreeze
  or light oil (Do not use water). Then carefully
  lower a glass-tube thermometer in the well for at
  least ten minutes, then withdraw it just far
  enough to read the scale.
• Record the reading and repeat the process to
  check the accuracy of the first reading. Record
  the final result on the bill of lading or the
  company unloading form.
• Replace and retighten the thermometer well plug.

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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Gauge and Test the Contents of the Tank Car
• In order to sniff test and gauge the contents
  of the tank car
• Carefully remove the threaded cover from the slip
  gauge assembly
• If possible, correct leaks by fully closing the
  bleeder valve on the gauge and/or tightening the
  packing nut at the bottom of the slip tube with a
  wrench. If the leak continues, notify the
  supervisor

CautionIf propane begins to escape around the
threads or the cover binds as it is unscrewed, do
not remove it the rest of the way unless the leak
can be controlled for sure when the cover is
fully removed.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Gauge and Test the Contents of the Tank Car
• In order to sniff test and gauge the contents
  of the tank car
• Push down firmly on the slip tube and release the
  locking bar. Then, slowly release the brake and
  allow the slip tube to rise two to three feet.
  Re-engage the brake. Never use any tools to pry
  or pull up the slip tube. If the slip tube is
  difficult to release, apply a small amount of
  light oil to the tube and twist the tube from
  side to side as it is raised. If it continues to
  stick, loosen the packing nut until the slip tube
  moves freely.

Caution All slip tubes are under high pressure
and can cause serious injuries if allowed to
shoot out suddenly or unexpectedly. Keep a firm
grip on the gauge at all times and assume a
position so that head and body are well away from
the gauge.
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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Gauge and Test the Contents of the Tank Car
• In order to sniff test and gauge the contents
  of the tank car
• Open the bleeder valve slowly until a mist of
  propane liquid (i.e., white mist) vents from the
  valve. Continue raising the slip tube until the
  vapor vents from the bleeder valve. Then slowly
  lower the tube again until liquid just begins to
  vent from the bleeder valve. At this point, the
  bottom of the slip tube is in contact with the
  surface of the liquid in the tank car. Apply the
  slip tube brake and read the outage on the slip
  tube directly opposite the pointer. Repeat the
  measurement at least twice to be sure it is
  correct. Record the final reading on the bill of
  lading or the company unloading form.
• Convert the slip tube reading to gallons, using
  the strapping table for the tank car. Subtract
  the outage in gallons from the water capacity of
  the tank car and record the result on the company
  unloading form.

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Identifying Positioning the Railcar and Spotting
Procedures

• Gauge and Test the Contents of the Tank Car
• In order to sniff test and gauge the contents
  of the tank car
• Correct the tank car gallonage for temperature
  and specific gravity by multiplying it by the
  appropriate volume correction factor. The
  correction factor can be obtained from the
  company unloading forms or a chart attached to
  the strapping table.
• Compare the result to the gallonage recorded on
  the bill of lading. Follow company procedures
  for reporting discrepancies.
• Close the bleeder valve on the slip tube tightly,
  lower the gauge, and lock it into place. Replace
  the gauge assembly cover.
• Once these tests and inspections are complete and
  you are assured there are no leaks or tank car
  damage that would cause the car to be rejected,
  the preparation to unload can continue.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Figure 1. The Manway Cover
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Figure 2. Alternate Railcar Valves and Fittings
Arrangement
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Courtesy union railcar and BP
Figure 3. Side View and Top View of Valves and
Fittings
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
The railcar fittings in Figures 2 and 3 are
further explained in the cut-away view to the
right (Figure 4.). This illustration shows how
the various valves and fittings interact with the
interior of the cargo tank.
Figure 4. Cut-Away View of ManwayAnd Tank
Interior
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Liquid and Vapor Connections
• The outlets of the two liquid valves face the
  ends of the railcar
• Thermometer Well
• Sampling Valve
• The sampling valve is a small manual shutoff
  valve attached to a long open tube that leads to
  the bottom of the railcar. It is used to test
  the contents of the railcar for odorization, the
  presence of water or other impurities, and, in
  rare cases, to measure the specific gravity of
  the propane. It can also be used during the
  unloading operation to determine whether any
  propane liquid remains in the bottom of the tank

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Slip Tube Gauge
• Most railcars are equipped with a slip tube gauge
  (Figure 5), which is used to measure the contents
  of the railcar. The slip tube gauge is similar
  to a fixed maximum liquid level gauge. However,
  the dip tube is not fixed, but can be moved up
  and down in the gauge housing to

Figure 5. Slip Tube Gauge
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Pressure Relief Valves
• Never tamper with it and never work directly over
  it
• Unloading Risers
• To gain access to the top openings in railcars,
  most plants use an unloading riser (also known as
  a tower).

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Identifying Procedures for Unloading the Railcar
• Gauge Contents of Railcar
• A series of graduated markings on the slip tube
  indicates the distance in inches and feet from
  the top of the tank to the surface of the liquid.
  This is commonly referred to as the "outage" of
  the railcar.

Figure 6. Portion of a Railcar Outage Table
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Determine the Maximum Amount of Propane That can
  be
• Transferred to the Plant Bulk Storage Tanks
• To determine the amount of propane each plant
  tank will hold safely
• Gauge the contents of the plant storage tank with
  the rotary or float gauge installed in the tank
  head. Record the reading on the company form or
  on a worksheet.
• Using the temperature and specific gravity of the
  propane in the railcar, determine the maximum
  permitted filling level for the plant tank(s).
  Record the result on the worksheet.
• Subtract the gauge reading from the maximum
  permitted filling level.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Determine the Maximum Amount of Propane That can
  be
• Transferred to the Plant Bulk Storage Tanks
• To determine the amount of propane each plant
  tank will hold safely
• Calculate the maximum amount of propane that can
  be added to the storage tank by multiplying the
  difference between the two numbers by the water
  capacity of the tank in gallons. If, for
  example, the gauge on a 30,000 gallon storage
  tank shows that it is 40 full and its maximum
  permitted filling density at the present
  temperature is 85, 45 X 30,000 or 13,500
  gallons can safely be added to the tank.
• If there is more propane in the railcar than the
  plant tank(s) will hold safely, notify your
  supervisor.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Connect Liquid and Vapor Hoses Between the
  Railcar and the
• Unloading Riser
• To gain access to the top openings in railcars,
  most plants use an unloading riser, also known as
  a tower. (Figure 7)

Figure 7. Railcar Riser with Emergency Shutoff
Valves
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Connect Liquid and Vapor Hoses Between the
  Railcar and the
• Unloading Riser
• During unloading operations, a railcar unloading
  nipple (also known as a stub)essentially a
  straight section of schedule 80 threaded
  pipingis inserted through the holes in the side
  of the dome and screwed into the valve outlets
  after the valve shipping plugs are removed.
  (Figure 8.)

Figure 8a. Stub Connected toVapor Valve
Figure 8b. Connecting Hose toStub in Liquid
Valve
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Connect Liquid and Vapor Hoses Between the
  Railcar and the
• Unloading Riser
• In order to complete this step
• Check the manual shutoff valves on the railcar
  liquid and vapor connections to make sure they
  are fully closed. Then carefully remove the
  plugs
• Install unloading stubs or ESVs in the liquid
  and vapor valves. Thread the stubs or ESVs into
  the valve opening until they are handtight. Then
  tighten them with the appropriate wrench until
  they are securely seated. Once installed, open
  the ESVs in accordance with company procedures.

Caution Propane may vent around the plug threads
for a short time. Wear heavy vinyl safety gloves
throughout the operation and keep face and other
parts of the body away from the valve opening.
If propane continues to vent around the plug
threads, the manual shutoff valve may be faulty.
Retighten the plug and notify the supervisor. If
the chains on the plugs are broken or missing,
store the plugs in a safe place.
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Connect Liquid and Vapor Hoses Between the
  Railcar and the
• Unloading Riser
• In order to complete this step
• Remove the dust caps from the connectors on the
  riser hoses. Check the connectors to be sure
  they are clean. Check the O-rings on the ESV or
  unloading stub to be sure they are in good
  condition. If necessary, clean the connectors
  with a rag and replace worn, flattened, or
  damaged O-rings.
• Connect the hoses to the railcar stubs or ESVs by
  spinning on the ACME connectors until they are
  handtight. As the connectors are tightened, move
  the hose or hose-end valve up and down slightly
  to prevent the thread from seizing. When each
  connection is handtight, tighten it an additional
  1/8 turn with a hook spanner. NEVER POUND ON THE
  CONNECTOR WITH A WRENCH OR OTHER DEVICE.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Connect Liquid and Vapor Hoses Between the
  Railcar and the
• Unloading Riser
• In order to complete this step
• Check the ESVs at the riser by opening and
  closing them according to plant test procedures.
  Be sure the remote operators are working properly
  and that all fusible links are intact. If the
  ESVs will not operate properly, do not continue
  the transfer operation. If possible, correct the
  problem. Otherwise, notify your supervisor.
• Check each connection for leaks by opening and
  closing the manual shutoff valve at the railcar
  to charge the connection with propane.

Note If using ESV's instead of unloading
stubs, open the ESV to charge and test the hose
connection. If there are any connection leaks,
close all valves and retighten the connection.
If the leak continues, notify your supervisor.
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Unload the Railcar
• A qualified person must be present during the
  entire transfer operation to handle emergencies
  and monitor the condition of the transfer system.
  If leaving the area, find someone as a
  replacement who has a working knowledge of the
  transfer equipment and plant emergency
  procedures. Otherwise, shut down the operation
  until returning.
• If a leak or fire develops at any time during the
  operation, close all ESV's immediately and stop
  the compressor. Then follow company procedures
  to handle the problem. Be alert throughout the
  operation for signs of erratic compressor
  operation. If a problem develops, shut down the
  operation and correct it before continuing.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Unload the Railcar
• An excess-flow valve in an eduction valve or the
  plant tank may stick or freeze shut. As a
  result, it will not reopen when the pressure is
  equalized across the valve. If this happens
  during unloading operations, reopen the valve by
  applying compressor discharge pressure to the
  stuck excess-flow valve.
• If the excess-flow valve is in a vapor
  connection, it is reopened simply by reversing
  the four-way valve and restarting the compressor

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• To unload the railcar
• Open the vapor valves at the riser. Then, open
  all valves in the liquid line, starting at the
  manual shutoff valves on the railcar and working
  toward the plant storage tank(s). Allow as much
  liquid as possible to drift between the two
  tanks, then open the remaining valves in the
  vapor line.
• Check to be sure the four-way valve and the plant
  valves have been set so the compressor will
  remove vapor from the plant storage tank and
  discharge it into the railcar. Figures 10 and 11
  illustrate the compressor 4-way valve and piping
  positions for unloading in a typical bulk plant.
  Your plant piping may be different. Be sure you
  verify the proper valve positions and operating
  procedures for your plant.

Note Open valves slowly to prevent excess-flow
valves from slugging
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Figure 10. 4-Way Valve Positions
Figure 9. Compressor and Bulk Plant Connections
and Valves
Figure 11. Operation of Valves for Cargo tank
Unloading
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• To unload the railcar
• Start the compressor and check the pressure
  gauges for excessively high exhaust or
  excessively low intake pressure. If either
  occurs, stop the compressor and correct the
  problem before continuing. Check the sight glass
  or flow indicator to make sure liquid is flowing
  through the system.
• When the plant storage tank reaches its maximum
  permitted filling level or the railcar is empty,
  close all valves in the liquid line and stop the
  compressor.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• To unload the railcar
• Reverse the four-way valve and adjust the plant
  piping manifold so the compressor will withdraw
  vapor from the railcar and force it through the
  liquid space of the plant storage tank. (Figures
  12b and 12c.) Restart the compressor and check
  the pressure gauges for excessively high
  discharge or excessively low intake pressure. If
  either occurs, shut down the compressor and
  correct the problem before continuing.
• At the end of the vapor recovery operation, close
  all valves in the vapor line and shut down the
  compressor. Some plants shut down the compressor
  when the discharge pressure rises to four times
  the intake pressure. Others stop vapor recovery
  operations when the intake pressure drops to 50
  psi in the summer or 30 psi in the winter. Under
  some conditions plants will also shut down their
  compressors, if the intake pressure drops less
  than 10 psi during 15 minutes of operations.
  Check with your supervisor for the proper
  guidelines to follow

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Figure 12b. 4-Way Valve Positions
Figure 12a. Compressor and Bulk Plant
Connections and Valves
Figure 12c. Operation of Valves for Cargo Tank
Vapor Recovery
Note Monitor the liquid gauges on the plant
storage tank(s) carefully to prevent overfilling
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
To finish the operation and prepare the railcar
for return

• Open the sample valve. If vapor is released, the
  railcar is totally unloaded. If liquid escapes,
  it may not be fully unloaded. Resume unloading
  operations until the railcar is totally
  un-loaded.
• Close all railcar discharge valves, ESVs and
  transfer hose-end valves.
• Vent the propane trapped between valves, stubs
  and hose couplings. When the connections are
  fully de-pressurized, disconnect the transfer
  hoses.
• Remove the railcar unloading nipples, or stubs,
  that are screwed into the railcar valve outlets

Figure 13. Checking the Sample Valve
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
To finish the operation and prepare the railcar
for return

• Replace all railcar valves openings and tighten
  as appropriate. (Figures 14 and 15)

Figure 14a. Preparing Plug Threads
Figure 14b. Installing Plug in Slip Tube Gauge
Figure 15. Tightening Plug in Discharge Valve
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
To finish the operation and prepare the railcar
for return

• Replace and secure all covers over fittings.
  (Figure 16)
• Check to be sure there is no liquid left in the
  railcar by partially opening the sampling valve
• Bleed down and disconnect the hoses at the riser.
  Replace all dust caps and store the hoses
• Remove the unloading stubs or ESVs from the
  railcar, and replace the plugs in the liquid and
  vapor valve openings

Figure 16. Replacing Fitting Cover
Caution Never disconnect any hose until the
propane trapped in the connection has been safely
bled off.
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Identifying Unloading and Releasing Procedures

• If any railcar defects were found during the
  unloading operation, complete the Bad Order Tag
  (Figure 17) and attach it to one of the liquid
  education valves.
• Lower the dome cover and secure it appropriately.
• Stow all transfer hoses and fittings and raise
  the unloading riser platform to its stored
  position

NOTE The same defect(s) must be reported in the
Railcar Return Form.
Figure 17. Bad Order Tag
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• Identifying Unloading and Releasing Procedures
• Remove and store the warning signs, chock blocks
  and reset the derail (when used) from the
  derailing position. (Figure 18)

Figure 18a. Removing Chocks
Figure 18b. Stowing Warning Sign and Resetting
Derail
NOTE DO NOT release the hand brake on the
railcar. This will be done by railroad personnel
when the railcar is picked up.
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar
Identifying Unloading and Releasing Procedures

• Verify that all placards are in good shape and in
  place. (Figure 19)
• Take an extra look around the railcar and
  unloading site to make sure everything is safe
  and secure.
• Complete the Railcar Return Instructions Form and
  deliver the form to the rail carrier
  representative.

Figure 19. Replacing Damaged Placard
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• The Railcar Return Instruction
• Form must be prepared, signed
• and presented to the rail carrier
• representative for their signature
• before the railcar is released.

Figure 20. Sample Railcar Return Instructions
Form
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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• While completing the Railcar Return Instructions
  Form, the propane
• marketers representative should
• Verify the date entry when the company was
  notified of the railcars arrival, when it was
  received on the siding, and when unloading was
  completed.
• On the Company Copy of the railcar return form,
  enter the date when the car was removed from the
  siding. Retain it in company records.
• List in the remarks section any defect(s) that
  were present when the car was received
• Determine if any defect(s) occurred or was
  discovered during the time the railcar was on the
  siding and being unloaded. If so, describe it in
  the remarks section and attach a copy to the Bad
  Order Tag.

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Identifying and Checking the Valves and Fittings
Used in Unloading the Railcar

• While completing the Railcar Return Instructions
  Form, the propane
• marketers representative should
• Verify other information preprinted on the form,
  sign and date it.
• Deliver the Railcar Return Instructions Form
  personally, or by electronic means to the
  railroad agent, for their signature and date.
  3.6.5.31 Sometimes a bulk plant employee will
  notify the railroad company representative by
  telephone or fax, and hold the form for signature
  until the rail car is picked up.
• From the time the railcar return form is used to
  notify the railroad company agent that the car is
  ready to be picked up, until the time it is
  actually removed from the siding, the propane
  marketer must provide a safe and secure
  environment for the railcar.

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Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This
Module

• Complete the Review on page 24 - 27.
• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam
  by checking off the performance criteria on page
  28 - 30.

3.6.5 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Pages 24 - 30