NATIONWIDE NEWS
Tips for preventing propane accidents on the farm
The following information is provided by Nationwide ® , the No. 1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.* Propane, often known as liquid petro- leum, or LP gas, is a versatile fuel for farm- ers. Propane heaters protect young plants from frost in spring and warm greenhous- es. Propane powers torches in some crop weed control systems. In winter, it heats farm buildings and powers generators during storms or outages. And propane fuels grain dryers to preserve crop quality year-round. But propane is highly flammable and even a small leak can lead to a devastating propane fire. Inhaling it in enclosed spaces can cause asphyxiation. Dangers like these are why it’s important for farmers to take necessary precautions to keep their prop- erty, themselves and others safe. Propane is colorless and odorless. But companies add a chemical that releases the unpleasant sulfur-like scent of rotten eggs to help detect leaks. If you notice this smell, do the following: • Take immediate action to prevent harm. • Extinguish open flames and do not operate lights, appliances, telephones or
cellphones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or fire. • Evacuate everyone from the area im- mediately and shut off the gas at the tank. • From a safe distance, contact your pro- pane distributor. • Do not return to the building or area until your LP supplier or emergency re- sponder determines it is safe. • Leave locating the leak to LP profes- sionals. They are trained and equipped to test for leaks and safely return the appli- ances back into operation. “Propane keeps the agricultural wheels turning. But overlooking the dangers of propane can lead to catastrophic conse- quences and shut down an entire farm,” said Nationwide Risk Management Propane Specialist Kirby Summers. “Prioritizing propane safety and always following proper procedures should al- ways be a top priority.” Farmers can consider the following safety measures to help prevent propane accidents and protect themselves from the dangers of propane gas: • Properly maintain outdoor propane tanks and cylinders. Keep surroundings
clear of tall grasses, weeds and flammable material. Protect tanks from rust with light, reflective paint and don’t let them settle into the ground. • Store and handle with care. Secure undamaged propane cylinders in well-ventilated areas away from sparks and heat. Wear gloves and goggles when handling them. • Regularly check for leaks. Don’t wait for the rotten egg smell. Have your LP retailer periodically test for leaks and in- spect tanks. Contact a qualified technician if repairs are required. Don’t take the risk of lighting the pilot light yourself. Have a qualified professional light any pilot lights that have gone out. • Equip yourself and workers with pro- pane safety training. This includes iden- tifying leaks, emergency procedures and shutting off the gas supply. Contact the LP retailer for training and guidance. • Create an emergency plan. Outline evacuation routes, meeting points and emergency contacts. Ensure fire extin- guishers are accessible. • Get professional help. Leave installa- tions and maintenance to propane trained
professionals who understand propane tank safety, regulations and best practices. • Don’t run out of propane. When a tank is empty, air and moisture enter and cause rust. This can reduce propane odor, mak- ing leak detection difficult and raising risk of leaks and potential fire or explosion. “Plan ahead and schedule refills before you hit critical low levels, and don’t let anyone but trained propane profession- als handle the actual refilling process,” Summers said. “It might take a bit more time and coordination, but safety must al- ways come first.” By understanding the dangers and tak- ing these precautions, farmers can safely harness the power of propane. Talk to your Nationwide Farm Certified agent to learn more about propane safety. Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more re- sources and expert tips to help you run a successful business and maintain the safe- ty of your operation. *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2022. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide
2024 CE Series
2024 Health & Safety on the Farm and Ranch
Members: Free Non-Members: $400
California Farm Bureau is pleased to offer this year-long program of training sessions presented by Nationwide. Select topics will be presented in both English and Spanish. Members, enjoy access to free classes! Register for the upcoming training webinars. Trainings will be presented via Zoom. The Hazardous Agricultural Materials (HAM) training must be attended in person at a participating County Farm Bureau office or at the California Farm Bureau office in Sacramento. For a detailed list of classes and to register, visit cfbf.com/FBE or call (800) 698-FARM for assistance. You will receive a Zoom link and details prior to your selected webinar date.
REGISTER NOW AND ENJOY FREE PESTICIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS Let your Farm Bureau membership more than pay for itself! Join us throughout the year for webinars that meet your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. Earn 1 Hour L/R or Other DPR • 1 Hour CCA Per Class Class Dates and Topics are Subject to Change.
Next Class (all classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) Thursday, June 13..................Integrated Pest Management
June 4
Rural Road Safety
Upcoming Classes Thursday, July 11 ...................Vertebrate Pest Control
June 18
Lockout/Tag Out Safety
July 2
Hazard Communication
Thursday, August 8 ................Personal Protective Equipment
July 16
OSHA Top 10 Violations
August 6
Fleet Management
Thursday, September 12........Application Inspection
September 3
Fall Protection
Thursday, October 10 ............Choosing the Right Pesticide
September 24
Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Training
October 1
Hazardous Ag Materials (HAM) Training
Thursday, November 14 ........Preventing Common Violations
November 5
Farm Equipment Safety
PRESENTING SPONSOR
November 19
Rural Road Safety
For registration and more information please visit: cfbf.com/FBE
16 Ag Alert May 22, 2024
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