Employee Training Requirements for Propane Marketers

Navigating employee training requirements is a challenge that propane marketers face daily. Between complicated requirements, changes to rules and regulations, and the burden of juggling multiple responsibilities, how can your company be sure that it is staying compliant? Follow this quick checklist to get a better understanding of what your company needs to develop, implement, and uphold a successful propane safety training program.

Rules and Regulations for Employee Training

Understanding which requirements your employees must meet is the first step. The most common regulatory agencies that dictate compliance for propane marketers come with their own specific requirements, depending on your propane company’s functions and the specific responsibilities of each employee.
DOT
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires your employees to complete DOT hazmat training within 90 days of employment. Employees cannot work unsupervised until this training is complete. Sometimes called “HM-126F training,”49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H requires initial and three-year recurrent training for employees whose duties include specified job functions associated with the transportation of hazardous materials.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employees that may face hazards on the job receive authorized training. This may include delivery drivers, service technicians, and customer service representatives.
CETP/PEP
The Certified Employee Training Program (CETP), now known as the PERC Education Program (PEP), is critical for propane companies to meet requirements of NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Training is required for all employees whose primary responsibilities include transporting LP gas, transferring LP gas into or out of stationary containers, and/or installing stationary containers. A range of initial and subsequent courses are available, and refresher training is normally required at least every three years.
FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires specific initial training for applicable employees. Initial training includes Parts 390-397 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, entry level driver training, as well as controlled substance drug and alcohol testing.
P3 Propane Safety is the leading provider of training, safety documentation, and compliance services for the propane industry. Contact us to discuss your employee training requirements with one of our certified safety experts. We can help determine what training you need to ensure that you maintain compliance with all necessary requirements.