A propane tank is complicated piece of equipment that must be properly maintained. (image:
A New Haven propane and fuel oil company has held a safety training day for customers, employees and state-wide emergency response personnel.
Heating oil is non-flammable but can cause serious environmental problems and health concerns if it spills or leaks. Propane on the other hand is highly flammable and must be handled carefully. Proper maintenance of equipment and appliances which rely on either fuel source is crucial.
Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil’s delivers propane, fuel oil, appliance and services to Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. The family-owned business has been operating since 1932.
The company recent staged its sixth-annual safety day. It featured sessions on preventing work-related injuries; spill prevention and clean up; a review of Department of Transportation regulations, other safety and service guidelines for drivers and mechanics; and overall tank safety.
The sessions featured experts from the New Haven State Police, insurance safety specialists, and loss prevention and clean up specialists. Participants took part in discussions and demonstrations which aimed was to equip them with concrete knowledge on how to keep themselves safe when handling propane or heating oil and tips for maintaining equipment and tanks.
“Because safety is so important in our line of work, we strongly believe in dedicating a full day on the topic,” said Joe Trefethen, General Manager of Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil.
“It’s a great extension to the on-going training that our employees participate in based on their areas of expertise throughout the year. It’s also a great team-building opportunity.”
Last month propane industry officials staged a major fire safety exercise in New York designed to teach emergency response personnel and propane industry staff how to respond in an emergency situation.
Here are some helpful backyard propane safety tips to keep in mind this summer.