PAPGA News

Propane Water Heaters: Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

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Is it time to pull the plug on your water heater?

You may not spend too much time thinking about your water heater. But even if it’s out of sight, out of mind, it’s still working hard for you, day after day. That means it ages fast; a year for you is like 10 for your water heater. So how old is yours really?

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association and the Propane Education & Research Council have developed a short but very informative quiz to see if it’s time to pull the plug on your old water heater, and start shopping for a newer, more efficient propane system.

Hit this link to take the quiz!

Home Improvement Expert Danny Lipford tells us a little more about Propane-Powered Water Heaters, including the amazing efficiency of Tankless Propane Water Heaters in this video!

If you want to learn more about propane water heaters, contact your local propane provider. If you need help locating a local expert, use this link to enter your zip code and we will provide contact information for you.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry. PAPGA continues to focus on education, networking and representing the interest of Pennsylvania’s propane businesses to the government, while assisting members in remaining current on topics vital to the propane industry. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is affiliated with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).

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Hours of Service Waiver Extends Maximum Driving Time for Motor Carriers Transporting Fuels

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Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2016

Harrisburg, PA – Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards has signed an hours of service waiver to extend the maximum driving time to 14 hours for motor carriers engaged in the transportation of fuels.

The waiver was effective as of January 26, 2016 at midnight and remains in effect until February 6 at 11:59 p.m.

Exemption is also granted from the requirements of the 60/70-hour limits rule. This rule requires drivers to stop driving upon accumulating 60 or 70 on-duty hours (including all on-duty and driving time) over a period of seven or eight consecutive days, respectively. Any period of seven or eight consecutive days may end with the beginning of any off-duty period of 34 or more consecutive hours.

Drivers are reminded that the waiver must be in their possession when traveling extended hours. This also only applies when the contents being transported are exclusively listed under the “Type of Operation.”

For the latest information regarding the state’s response emergency response efforts, visit www.pema.pa.gov.

Media contact:  Rich Kirkpatrick, Transportation – 717-783-8800, rikirkpatr@pa.gov       

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The text of the waiver follows:

 

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HARRISBURG, PA 17101-1900
OFFICE OF
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

EXEMPTION 2016-02
Pursuant to the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency issued by the Governor on January 21, 2016, 75 Pa. C.S. §6108, and the authority granted in 49 C.F.R. §390.23 and 67 Pa. Code Chapter 231, the waivers in this exemption apply to certain motor carriers engaged in operations necessary to respond to the emergency declared by the Governor. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation hereby issues the following exemption:
TYPE OF OPERATION: Transportation of propane gas and oil for hearting purposes.
EXTENT OF EXEMPTION: Amends Exemption 2016-01 relating to the requirement to comply with driver hour of service limitations.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 25, 2016 2400 hours.
TERMINATION DATE: February 6, 2016 2359 hours.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
1. This exemption applies statewide to the transportation of propane gas and oil for heating purposes.
2. The maximum driving time is extended from 11 hours to 14 hours. Ten consecutive hours off-duty must be taken between the 14 hours of driving time.
3. Operators are exempted from the requirements of the 60/70 hour rule.
4. This waiver does not otherwise exempt these motor carriers and drivers from the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75), the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18), and motor carrier regulations at 67 Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 231 and 49 C. F. R. Parts 390 – 399.
5. Title 67, Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 175, Vehicle Equipment and Inspection, remains in effect for all vehicles registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

DATE: January 25, 2016

Leslie S. Richards
Secretary of Transportation

Outdoor Grilling Safety

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Some useful tips for tailgating & camping…

Fall is a great time to enjoy football tailgate parties and weekend camping trips. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association would like to offer up some useful reminders to help you keep family and friends safe during these great experiences.

Outdoor Grilling SafetyBe the MVP of your Tailgate Party!

Cool as Ice

Nothing spoils your tailgate fun more than spoiled food, so before you leave the house, be sure to pack all perishable items in an insulated cooler. Make sure there’s enough ice inside to keep your food at a safe temperature. Also, tightly seal all meat to prevent the juices from cross-contaminating your other food.

Avoid Illegal (Meat) Procedure

Although meat will continue to cook for a short while after it’s removed from the flame, you should follow well established guidelines to be sure it’s fit for consumption. Ground meats should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F, steaks at least 145°F, pork chops at least 160°F, and chicken should reach at least 180°F. Don’t forget to arm yourself with an instant-read food thermometer.

Don’t Forget to Huddle Up

Getting in or out of a sporting event can be chaotic. If you’re traveling with others, consider designating a meeting spot. This way if you’re separated, you have a plan in place for dealing with it. Trying to text or make a phone call in a mob of people isn’t the safest or reliable thing to do.

Protect your Star Player

Your portable grill is the life of the tailgate party. Make sure you are guarding your MVP at all times from footballs, soccer balls, frisbees and other flying objects. Make sure your grill is at least six feet from any vehicle or structure and on solid, flat ground.

Propane & Your RV

Whether you’re a long-time owner or first-time traveler, it’s important to know about your RV’s propane system.

Propane is a great resource to cook food, cool beverages, or provide warmth/power at rest stops and campgrounds. Keep in mind some key safety considerations:

  • Open a window and turn on your exhaust fan when using your stove for cooking.
  • Do not use stove for comfort heat, or any appliances for means other than their intended use.
  • Portable fuel-burning equipment including wood, charcoal, and propane grills should not be used inside the RV or near the entryway. This can cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Keep your vehicle a safe distance away from any heat source, such as grills or fire pits. Keep propane tanks and cylinders at least 10 feet away from heat sources.

Learn more about RV Safety by taking a moment to review this online brochure from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

Attachments

Outdoor Grilling Safety

RV Safety Brochure

Emergency Responders Event Recap

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The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association Emergency Responders Training Event Offered Critical Training & Experience for Firefighters & Propane Professionals Statewide

Emergency RespondersOver 120 Firefighters, Hazmat Team Members, Law Enforcement, EMTs and Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery Professionals converged on the Bear Creek Mountain Resort to experience hands-on Propane emergency training in July 2015.

The event was the largest of it’s kind ever conducted in Pennsylvania. Real life experiences & technique were presented to attendees during the conference, followed by live training near heat & fire. On site demonstrations included proper technique for securing a bobtail truck that has rolled over, plus how to safely move the gas from a tank that may be damaged to a tank that is secure so that it can be evacuated safely.

Officials from the Propane Educational & Research Council (PERC) and the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) urged attendees to share this knowledge and experience with members of their emergency response teams statewide.

Presenters/Trainers

First Responders TrainingDennis Cruise (PERC) reviewed the critical steps in the chain of command during the communication process in a propane emergency. Mr. Cruise used real-life experiences to relay tactical considerations while responding to a fire and/or explosion.

Dan Waters of Premier Safety Services offered an overview of the Propane Emergencies Program, a PERC initiative responsible for training over 250,000 emergency responders since launching in 1998.

The three-day event was held in and around the beautiful Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center near Macungie, Pennsylvania.

For more information on this event and to learn more about upcoming events, go to PApropane.com or contact Executive Director Shelby Bell at this link.

Video Highlights

Attachments

Emergency Responders Event Recap