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Propane retailers can reduce risk by assessing hazmat training

May 21, 2019 By    

After the first day of spring, propane companies start winding down from the non-stop delivery season. Now is a good time to assess your training requirements. Department of Transportation (DOT) hazmat training is a critical part of any propane safety program. Propane marketers that do not have proper DOT hazmat training are at serious risk for safety hazards, litigation and regulatory fines.

Q: Who is required to have DOT hazmat training?

The first day of spring is a good time to review your training and safety operations. Photo courtesy of U-Haul International

The first day of spring is a good time to review your training and safety operations. Photo courtesy of U-Haul International

A: All employees that perform tasks subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are required to complete DOT hazmat training. This includes customer service representatives, delivery drivers, service technicians and employees that:

  • load, unload or handle hazmat
  • test, recondition, repair, modify, mark or represent packages as qualified
  • prepare hazmat for transportation
  • are responsible for safety of transporting hazmat
  • operate vehicles used to transport hazmat
  • supervise hazmat employees

Q: What should the training include?

A: DOT hazmat training familiarizes employees with HMR, educates them on specific job functions, provides emergency response and preventative training, identifies ways to enhance security, and teaches company-specific security objectives and procedures. Trainings should encompass:

  • general awareness and familiarization training
  • function-specific training
  • safety training
  • security awareness training
  • in-depth security training

Q: When is training required? Do I have to renew training?

A: Any qualifying individual that is employed on a temporary, part-time or full-time basis must be trained within 90 days of employment. New employees cannot work unsupervised until DOT hazmat training is complete. Refresher training must be performed at least every three years.


Brent Cammett is a senior consultant of safety and training at P3 Propane Safety.

*Featured photo: iStock.com/Casper1774Studio 

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