1. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 2.3.8 Performing Pre-Unloading Cargo Tank Emergency Discharge System & Delivery Hose Inspections Inspecting the cargo tank emergency discharge system and the delivery hose assembly before loading is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the cargo tank motor vehicle (CTMV). In this module you will learn how to inspect: (1)Transport emergency discharge system (2)Transport delivery hose assembly and plant hose assemblies (3)Emergency shutdown systems

2. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Pre-Unloading Inspections U.S. DOT regulations in 49 CFR §177.840 require the operator of a cargo tank motor vehicle (CTMV) to check the components of the discharge system to assure they are in proper working order and that connections are secure. Components that may be readily visible during unloading are: The lower section of the pump Piping visible between the pump and other components Bypass valve(s) Liquid meter

3. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Pre-Unloading Inspections Components that may be readily visible during unloading are: Line valves and hydrostatic relief valves Delivery hose assembly, including couplings Emergency shutdown stations and controls

4. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Pre-Unloading Inspections  Any external leak identifiable without the use of instruments (a leak that can be seen or heard)  Loose, missing, or severely corroded bolts  Manual stop valves that will not actuate  Rubber hose flexible connectors with any condition listed as a defect in the hose assembly rejection criteria list  Stainless steel flexible connectors with damaged reinforcement braid  Internal self-closing stop valves that fail to close or that permit leakage through the valve detectable without the use of instruments  Severely corroded pipes or joints Piping and Discharge System Rejection Criteria Figure 1. Cargo Tank Discharge System Rejection Criteria

5. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Pre-Unloading Inspections Delivery Hose Assembly— All delivery hose assemblies were required to be permanently marked with a unique identification number by July 1, 2000.  Damage to the hose cover that exposes the reinforcement  Wire braid reinforcement that has been kinked or flattened so as to permanently deform the wire braid  Soft spots when not under pressure, bulging under pressure, or loose outer covering  Damaged, slipping, or excessively worn couplings  Loose or missing bolts or fastenings on bolted hose coupling assemblies Delivery Hose Assembly Rejection Criteria

6. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Pre-Unloading Inspections Worn Reinforcement Cut in Hose

7. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Pre-Unloading Inspections Worn Coupling Missing or Corroded Bolts Worn (Slipping) Coupling

8. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Monthly Hose Inspections Step 1:Lay the hose out as straight as possible to avoid kinking. Step 2:Check for cuts, abrasion, soft spots, blisters, loose outer covers and bulges.  Small cuts and nicks in the outer cover should generally not be cause for hose replacement, unless the rubber involved is loose or the reinforcement is exposed. Step 3:Examine the fitting, plus 18” back from the fitting, by pressing the hose with your thumb to detect any soft spots or bulges.  If they exist, remove the hose from service immediately. This hose may be returned to service provided the requirements of #7 are satisfied.

9. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Monthly Hose Inspections Step 4:Inspect each coupling for slippage, evidenced by misalignment of the coupling on the hose end and/or scored or exposed.  Loose, missing or severely corroded bolts in bolt-type couplings require the hose to be taken out of service. A hose subjected to unusual abuse, such as stretching, kinking, or flattening by a vehicle, shall be removed from service immediately.

10. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Daily Hose Inspections The driver (or unloading operator) must also perform a “post- delivery hose check” after each product transfer operation as required by U.S. DOT regulation 49 CFR 180.416(c). “Visually inspect that portion of the delivery hose assembly deployed during the unloading.”

11. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Inspecting Emergency Shutdown Systems Manual Shutdown Stations— Manual shutdown stations must be located at the front and rear of the transport trailer, diagonally across from each other. (Typically, left front driver’s side & right rear.) They should be examined and operated as part of the initial pre- transfer discharge system inspection for the day. If operating levers, cables, rods, or switches are inoperable, severely corroded, seized, or otherwise damaged, the CTMV should not be operated until appropriate repairs are made and tested.

12. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Inspecting Emergency Shutdown Systems Off-Truck Remote Shutdown Devices— The operator is required to successfully test the activation device within 18 hours prior to the first delivery of each day. Some companies require drivers to check the system as part of the pre-trip inspection. Figure 5b. Receiver Antenna Figure 5a. Hand-Held Off-Truck Transmitter Figure 5c. Receiver/Controller Mounted Under Seat

13. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Inspecting Emergency Shutdown Systems Off-Truck Remote Shutdown Devices— For a wireless transmitter/ receiver, the person conducting the test must be at least 150 feet from the cargo tank and will have the cargo tank in their line of sight. Operators of CTMVs equipped with transmitter/receiver off-truck remote shut-down systems must have the transmitter with them at all times during the unloading operation.

14. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Inspecting Emergency Shutdown Systems Note: 49 CFR §177.840(l) requires, “By January 1, 2000, each operator of a CTMV transporting a liquefied compressed gas must carry on or within the CTMV written emergency discharge control procedures for all delivery operations. The procedures must describe the CTMV’s emergency discharge control features and for a passive shutdown capability, the parameters within which they are designed to function. The procedures must describe the process to be followed if using a facility-provided hose for unloading.” The operator should verify the procedures are in fact located on the transport.

15. 2.3.8 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 6 & 7 Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module… Complete the Review on page 6. See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 7.