Featured Training

BASIC PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES 1.0 – 2 day course

This “entry level” course provides basic knowledge of propane and the propane industry including:

• Propane Customer Applications and Customer Service
• Sources and Physical Properties of Propane
• Odorants and Service Interruptions
• Complete and Incomplete Combustion Characteristics
• Standards, Regulations and Safety
• Bulk Plants
• DOT Cylinders, Propane Piping and Residential Systems

Successful completion of this course is required for certification in any other CETP course.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Class fee includes a copy of NFPA 58 & NFPA 54.

Dates

October 21&22 – IPGA, 1400 Metro East Dr., Pleasant Hill, IA

November 11&12 – Best Western, 2023 7th Ave N, Clear Lake, IA – Canceled

November 18&19 – IPGA, 1400 Metro East Dr., Pleasant Hill, IA

Basic CETP Registration Form November 18 & 19

BOBTAIL DELIVERY OPERATIONS 2.2 – 3 day

This course covers practices and procedures for delivering propane with a bobtail including:

• DOT Licensing and Driving Requirements
• Vehicle Inspections, Identification and Documentation
• Safely Handling Hazardous Materials
• Handling Out-of-Gas Calls
• Vehicle Parking, Servicing and Security
• Bobtail Equipment Systems Including Cargo Tank Gauges, Valves, Pumps, Meters, Delivery Hoses and Emergency Discharge Control Equipment
• Procedures for Safely Loading a Bobtail Using the Plant Pump
• DOT Requirements for Bobtail Inspections
• Review of the Features and Installation Requirements for Installation of ASME Tanks at Customer Locations

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Attendees Should Bring or Purchase: NFPA 54 & NFPA 58

Dates

October 23-25 – IPGA, 1400 Metro East Drive, Pleasant Hill, IA

November 13-15 – Best Western, 2023 7th Ave N., Clear Lake, IA – Canceled

November 20-23 – IPGA, 1400 Metro East Dr., Pleasant Hill, IA

Bobtail CETP Registration Form November 20-22

Combination Refresher Training

SMALL PROPANE CONTAINERS (CYLINDERS & ASME TANKS) & CYLINDER REQUALIFICATION – 1 day

This session is designed to guide propane company employees, who desire to inspect, and fill propane cylinders and small tanks in the proper procedures to promote safe filling and transportation of small propane containers. Safe and efficient inspection, requalifying and filling of propane containers are more effectively accomplished if individuals have been instructed in the proper procedures. Those desiring to requalify cylinders should take the IPGA “Cylinder Requalification” course.

The program provides information about the properties and characteristics of propane, the different types of DOT cylinders requiring periodic requalification, and in-depth procedures for requalifying DOT cylinders using the external visual inspection method. A textbook is included to provide information on:

• CYLINDER REQUALIFICATION
• PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PROPANE
• DOT CYLINDERS AND DOT REQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • REQUALIFICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
• SPECIAL REQUALIFICATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR CERTAIN CYLINDER MATERIALS AND TYPES

Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58.

Dates

October 9 – IPGA, 1400 Metro East Drive, Pleasant Hill, IA – CANCELED

UNDERGROUND TANK INSTALLATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE – 1 day

Corrosion is the single most important consideration when installing ASME tanks, underground or mounded. There is more to it than relying on the manufacturer’s special coating to protect the UG or mounded tank and appurtenances.

The topics covered are:

• Identify personal protective equipment necessary for the safe preparation of underground ASME tanks,
• Identify necessary tools and test equipment to install, inspect, test and maintain underground tank systems,
• Identify ASME underground tank design and marking requirements,
• Identify required appurtenances for underground ASME tanks,
• Identify installation requirements for underground ASME tanks,
• Size and select cathodic protection systems for underground ASME tanks,
• Identify procedures to install cathodic protections systems on underground ASME tanks,
• Identify tank-purging procedures,
• Identify procedures for injecting methanol into tanks,
• Identify procedures for placing propane tanks into service,
• Identify procedures to test and maintain cathodic protections systems on underground ASME tanks,
• Identify procedures to test for propane leakage around underground ASME tanks, and
• Identify tank evacuation procedures.

Who Should Attend Tank setting technicians, service technicians, propane delivery drivers, or any other individual who will be expected to install, inspect, test, maintain, or verify adequate corrosion protection.
*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58.

Dates

(Need this course?  Call IPGA – 515-564-1260

Combination Refresher Training

Iowa Basic Refresher Course

This Iowa Basic course is designed for individuals who have completed the NPGA/PERC Basic Principles & Practices CETP course training, or other “initial” training, and are seeking additional training relative to propane. This course will provide “renewal” for those possessing a CETP certification for Basic Principles and Practices, as well as comply with the “refresher” training requirements within the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 226, “Liquefied Petroleum Gas”.

This training program is updated to the current editions of NFPA 54 and NFPA 58 and is designed to help keep employees and CETP certification holders up-to-date with new industry codes, safety procedures, and technology. The course utilizes PERC’s refresher training for the CETP certification area “Basic Principles and Practices” as the basis of the program, and includes pertinent code requirements and updates within the state of Iowa.

The CETP certification holder needs to complete the refresher training once every 3 years for each CETP certification they hold to remain current, and comply with Iowa Administrative Code qualification of personnel requirements [661—226.4(101)].

The topics covered are:

• Recent Code Updates and Content Clarifications
• Important Concepts, Tasks, and Added Content
• Sources and Physical Properties of Propane
• Odorants and Service Interruptions
• Safe Working Practices and Protective Equipment
• Fire Prevention Rules and Procedures, and Uncontrolled Propane Release
• Receiving Propane at a Bulk Plant, and Delivering Propane to Customers
• DOT/ICC Cylinders: Construction and Features
• State of Iowa Specific Policy (and Updates)

Who Should Attend: Propane plant office personnel, delivery drivers, installation & service technicians, or any individual expected to work in the propane industry seeking additional information.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NFPA 54.

Iowa Bobtail Refresher Course

This Iowa Bobtail course is designed for individuals who have completed the NPGA/PERC Bobtail Delivery Operations CETP course training, or other “initial” propane delivery training, and are seeking additional training relative to propane. This course will provide “renewal” for those possessing a CETP certification for Bobtail Delivery Operations, as well as comply with the “refresher” training requirements within the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 226, “Liquefied Petroleum Gas”.

This training program is updated to the current editions of NFPA 54 and NFPA 58 and is designed to help keep employees and CETP certification holders up-to-date with new industry codes, safety procedures, and technology. The course utilizes PERC’s refresher training for the CETP certification area “Bobtail Delivery Operations” as the basis of the program, and includes pertinent code requirements and updates within the state of Iowa.

The CETP certification holder needs to complete the refresher training once every 3 years for each CETP certification they hold to remain current, and comply with Iowa Administrative Code qualification of personnel requirements [661—226.4(101)].

The topics covered are:

• Recent Code Updates and Content Clarifications
• Important Concepts, Tasks, and Added Content
• DOT Licensing and Driving Requirements
• Vehicle Inspections, Identification, and Documentation
• Safely Handling Hazardous Materials
  • Methanol
  • Leak Check
  • Restoration of Service
• Driving Defensively and Handling Accidents and Emergencies
• Vehicle Parking, Servicing, and Security
• Bobtail Equipment and Systems
• Bobtail Inspections
• Loading & Unloading Bobtails
• Injecting Methanol and Evacuating Containers
• State of Iowa Specific Policy (and Updates)

Who Should Attend: Propane delivery drivers, tank setting technicians, service technicians, management, or any individual expected to deliver propane.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NFPA 54.

Dates

December 10 – IPGA, 1400 Metro East Dr., Pleasant Hill, IA

Iowa Basic and Bobtail Refresher Registration Form 12.10.24 – Canceled

AG PIPING – 1 day

Propane piping systems are covered by certain codes which include specific requirements relative to acceptable materials for use in propane piping systems, acceptable system designs, allowable pressures, the location of system components relative to exposures, pressure testing procedures for new or repaired piping, recommended methods for leakage testing new piping and existing piping systems when service is restored after an interruption occurs, and proper procedures to follow when placing gas utilization equipment into operation.

This class instructs individuals in safe and proper methods of designing, installing, and placing LP-Gas systems into operation in vapor service with the emphasis on Agricultural applications within the state of Iowa. Some pipe sizing exercises will be included in this course presentation.

The objectives of this course are to identify:

1. Sources and Physical Properties of Propane
2.  Standards, codes and regulations within the state of Iowa,
3. Acceptable materials for use in propane vapor distribution systems,
4. Key requirements for the installation of gas piping and pressure regulators,
5. Vapor distribution-testing requirements,
6. Propane industry standards, regulations, and organizations
7. Basic Safety considerations

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NPFA 54.

Dates

October 16 – Fairfield, 1401 Bayou Rd., Clear Lake, IA

Ag Piping Registration Form October 16 – Cancelled

4.1 DESIGNING AND INSTALLING EXTERIOR VAPOR DISTRIBUTION SYTEMS – 2 days

This CETP training manual focuses on the design and installation of the exterior portions of a vapor distribution system for both residential and small commercial markets. This course addresses how to select and install containers, prevent corrosion, size and install regulators and meters, and select and install outdoor piping and tubing.

The topics covered are:

• Designing vapor systems: container and lines
• Designing vapor distribution systems: regulators and meters
• Preparing system components for transport
• Installing containers
• Installing lines
• How to analyze and prevent corrosion
• Installing regulators and meters
• Other installations
• System tests

Prerequisite – CETP Basic Principles & Practices 1.0.

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number (not the card).

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 54 & NFPA 58.

Dates

REGULATORS: SELECTION/INSTALLATION/TESTING – 1 day

The propane regulator is the heart of the propane vapor distribution system. It is a mechanical device that reduces a higher inlet pressure to a preset lower outlet pressure and controls the flow of propane to appliances based on operating demand.  This course provides guidance for how to select and install propane regulators and offers suggestions on how to test the propane vapor distribution system to help ensure appliances receive the required operating (or delivery) pressures.  This course is intended as a “refresher” course for those that install, service, test, maintain propane gas utilization equipment, or gas piping systems.

Topics covered are:

• Regulators:
  • Types / Applications
  • Codes / Standards (Best Practices)
  • Inlet pressure
  • Outlet pressure
  • Total gas demand
• Installation:
  • Code Requirements
  • Manufacturer’s Instructions
• Testing [industry-standard terminology]
  • Codes / Standards (Best Practices)
    • Test for Leakage
    • Pressure Test
    • Leak Check
    • Flow Test
    • Lock-up Test
    • Leak Test

*Prior to any test, the instructor must see photo ID and you will need to provide the last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number [you will not need to provide your card].

Those attending should bring or purchase NFPA 58 & NFPA 54

Dates

October 17 – Fairfield – 1401 Bayou Rd., Clear Lake, IA

Regulators Selection Installation Testing Registration Form October 17 – Cancelled

INTERRUPTED SYSTEM STARTUP (ISS) – 1 day

Every year there are fires and explosions as well as loss of lives due to systems being placed into service without sufficient inspection and testing. This session is designed for individuals who are placing a customer’s system into service, whether a new system, an existing system new to you, or a system which has been out of service.

Individuals will be expected to:

1. Possess an understanding of various codes and manufacturer’s requirements for
   • Pressure testing of new gas piping,
   • Leakage testing of new and existing gas systems including connected equipment,
   • Performance testing of the piping and regulators to ensure proper operation and safety,
2. Recognize acceptable methods to test gas utilization equipment when placing it into operation, and how to document the work performed.
3. Identify proper procedures to follow for documentation of work performed
4. Understand the need for communication with the customer
5. Possess an understanding of methods to communicate safety and warning information to consumers using propane.

 Who should attend: Propane delivery drivers, tank setting technicians, service technicians, plumbers, heating contractors, management, or any individual expected to initiate gas service in gas piping systems and connected equipment for new and existing customers.

 Attendees Should Bring or Purchase:  NFPA 54

Dates