Propane is used Canada-wide in a variety of commercial, industrial, and construction projects. This course will teach the basics of safe handling of both liquid- and vapour-withdrawal cylinders with a step-by-step guide to using, storing, and exchanging both, as well as how to inspect cylinders and deal with emergency situations. The program gives a full breakdown of the components of cylinders and the science behind propane to ensure a thorough understanding of the way the chemical works. Finally, sections on the legal requirements for competency, emergency response, and first aid round out the program, and upon completion the student will receive a certificate of completion consistent with the Canadian Standards Authority’s Regulation B149.2-10 for propane storage and handling as well as the standards in Ontario.

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter introduces the course and explains the various uses of propane, its primary characteristics, and the related hazards.

Chapter 2: Safety and Regulations

There are a number of laws that must be observed when working with propane. While the specific regulations differ from one jurisdiction to another, the one common element is the competency of a worker handling the product. This chapter reviews the related safety and regulations for handling propane.

Chapter 3: The Science of Propane

Propane is encountered in both liquid and vapour forms. This chapter describes propane’s chemical properties and explains why this is important to know when working with the substance. The material covers the density, expansion, and flammability of propane.

Chapter 4: Propane Cylinders

Propane is stored in cylinders made of steel or aluminum. This chapter explains the features of the two different types of cylinders and their components. It also covers their fill capacity, hazards, and regulations related to each.

Chapter 5: Cylinder Handling

Contact with propane can cause severe injury. This chapter explains the proper personal protective equipment that must be used when handing propane.

Chapter 6: Inspection of Cylinders

This chapter explains the importance of inspecting propane cylinders, and the steps to take when completing inspections. It also identifies when cylinders should not be re-filled.

Chapter 7: Transporting Cylinders

Transporting propane can be dangerous. This chapter describes the requirements for the safe transport of propane cylinders.

Chapter 8: Changing Cylinders

When changing cylinders, it is important to take into account the chemical properties of propane. The steps for changing a liquid cylinder are described in detail in this chapter.

Chapter 9: Testing for a Leak

This chapter covers the steps to follow when checking for leaks after connecting a new liquid propane cylinder to equipment.

Chapter 10: Storing Cylinders

This chapter lists the requirements for storing propane cylinders at a commercial or industrial location.

Chapter 11: Emergency Situations

This chapter covers what to do if a propane cylinder might be leaking, how to respond in a life-threatening emergency, and first aid for propane exposure.

Presentation

The course is presented with voiceover narration, and uses photographs and quizzes to enhance the educational experience.

Resources

A 32-page pdf workbook is available to print and fill out while viewing the online course. The print material is also available after the training is completed and can be downloaded from the account home page.