Propane Course

Lesson 1 • Chemical Composition of Propane

Covers propane's molecular structure, hydrocarbon classification, and combustion chemistry. Establishes the scientific basis for all subsequent safety and handling topics.

Lesson 2 • Physical Properties and Behaviour

Examines vapour pressure, boiling point, density, and expansion ratios. Understanding these properties explains why propane behaves differently from natural gas.

Lesson 3 • Flammability and Ignition Characteristics

Defines flammable limits, ignition temperature, and ignition sources. Directly supports hazard recognition and fire prevention practices.

Lesson 1 • Storage Area Requirements

Defines ventilation, separation distances, signage, and access control for storage areas. Connects physical layout decisions to fire and explosion prevention.

Lesson 2 • Cylinder Inspection and Qualification

Covers visual inspection criteria, requalification intervals, and rejection standards. Ensures technicians can remove unsafe cylinders from service before filling.

Lesson 3 • Cylinder Types and Construction

Identifies DOT and ASME cylinder designs, materials, and pressure ratings. Provides the foundation for understanding inspection and service requirements.

Lesson 4 • Bulk Tank Installation Basics

Introduces above-ground and underground bulk tank siting, anchoring, and clearance requirements. Prepares students for more advanced system design topics.

Lesson 1 • Valves and Fittings

Covers manual shutoff valves, excess-flow valves, check valves, and POL fittings. Proper valve selection prevents leaks and enables safe system isolation.

Lesson 2 • Piping Materials and Fittings

Compares steel, copper, CSST, and polyethylene piping for propane service. Material selection affects installation method, corrosion risk, and code compliance.

Lesson 3 • Regulators and Pressure Control

Explains first-stage, second-stage, and integral two-stage regulators and their pressure ranges. Correct regulator selection is critical to safe appliance operation.

Lesson 4 • Safety Devices and Controls

Examines pressure relief valves, thermal relief valves, and automatic shutoff devices. These components are the last line of defence against overpressure events.

Lesson 1 • Load Calculation and System Sizing

Teaches BTU demand calculation, diversity factors, and pipe sizing tables. Accurate sizing prevents pressure drop and ensures reliable appliance performance.

Lesson 2 • Piping Layout and Routing

Covers pipe routing principles, support spacing, and protection from physical damage. Proper routing minimises leak risk and simplifies future maintenance.

Lesson 3 • Joining and Connection Methods

Demonstrates threaded, brazed, and mechanical joining techniques for propane piping. Each method has specific application requirements that affect leak integrity.

Lesson 4 • Appliance Connection and Hookup

Addresses flexible connector selection, appliance shutoff valves, and final connection procedures. Correct hookup prevents leaks at the most common failure points.

Lesson 1 • Recognising Propane Emergencies

Identifies indicators of leaks, overpressure events, and fire conditions in propane systems. Early recognition is the most critical factor in limiting emergency consequences.

Lesson 2 • Post-Emergency Procedures

Covers system inspection, documentation, and restoration steps after a propane incident. Proper post-emergency actions prevent recurrence and satisfy regulatory requirements.

Lesson 3 • Fire and Explosion Response

Addresses propane fire types, suppression limitations, and safe positioning around burning tanks. Technicians must know when to fight a fire and when to withdraw.

Lesson 4 • Leak Emergency Procedures

Outlines step-by-step actions for indoor and outdoor propane leaks. Correct sequencing of evacuation, isolation, and notification prevents escalation.

Lesson 1 • Pressure Test Types and Standards

Distinguishes leak checks, pressure tests, and strength tests by purpose and required pressure levels. Selecting the correct test type is essential for valid results.

Lesson 2 • Leak Detection Methods

Compares soap solution, electronic detectors, and combustible gas indicators for locating leaks. Each method has strengths suited to specific field conditions.

Lesson 3 • Test Documentation and Reporting

Establishes requirements for recording test conditions, results, and corrective actions. Accurate records protect technicians and satisfy regulatory inspection requirements.

Lesson 4 • Test Equipment and Setup

Covers manometers, gauges, and test fittings used in propane system testing. Proper equipment calibration and setup directly affect test accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Appliance Startup and Commissioning

Provides startup checklists, manifold pressure verification, and initial operation checks. Proper commissioning confirms safe and efficient appliance performance from day one.

Lesson 2 • Combustion Principles for Appliances

Reviews stoichiometric combustion, air-fuel ratios, and flame characteristics for propane burners. This knowledge underpins all appliance adjustment and troubleshooting tasks.

Lesson 3 • Burner Adjustment and Optimisation

Covers orifice sizing, air shutter adjustment, and gas pressure tuning for optimal combustion. Proper adjustment reduces emissions and extends appliance service life.

Lesson 4 • Troubleshooting Common Appliance Faults

Applies systematic diagnostic methods to ignition failures, pressure problems, and combustion issues. Structured troubleshooting reduces diagnostic time and repeat service calls.

Lesson 1 • Licensing and Certification Requirements

Outlines technician licensing, certification exams, and continuing education obligations. Maintaining credentials protects both the technician and the employer from liability.

Lesson 2 • Key Industry Standards and Codes

Introduces the primary installation, storage, and safety standards used in the propane industry. Familiarity with these documents is essential for compliant system design.

Lesson 3 • Inspection and Permit Processes

Explains permit application, inspection scheduling, and common inspection failure points. Proactive compliance reduces project delays and rework costs.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory Framework Overview

Maps the roles of federal, state, and local authorities in propane regulation. Understanding jurisdictional layers prevents compliance gaps in multi-authority environments.