Frequent home checks increase safety and trust 

Ensuring the safety of propane equipment in customers’ homes is an essential duty of a propane retailer.

You must adhere to state and federal laws and codes, as well as your company policies, when completing home safety checks. Going above and beyond these requirements by performing them on a more regular basis can enhance safety and build trust with your customers. This proactive approach not only helps customers feel more secure in their equipment, but also reduces risk and improves the longevity of both the equipment and the customer relationship.

Every time you deliver propane, you should complete a standard visual inspection. These inspections are necessary for identifying any immediate issues that could compromise customer safety. If you find any concerns, follow company policies and do not fill a tank until you correct them. 

Summer is a great time for many retailers to conduct additional inspections and checks with customers. Take note of the last time a leak check was performed for each customer and prioritize them appropriately. When performing additional inspections, check in with each customer to see if they’ve added or changed any appliances and inquire about any concerns they may have with their systems. As always, proper documentation of these inspections and conversations is key.

Regular home checks not only demonstrate a commitment to customer safety and dedication to quality service, but they also provide a great opportunity to educate customers about propane safety and proper maintenance. A home check is an excellent opportunity to offer additional support and resources like brochures from the Propane Education & Research Council or other information you offer. While additional checks and inspections take time, they are a worthwhile investment in enhancing safety and building trust and confidence in your relationships with customers.

Bryan Wendt is the propane operations and safety manager at CHS Inc. He can be reached at 651-355-8546 or bryan.wendt@chsinc.com.

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