The Texas Propane Gas Association just received word that the Alternative Fuels Safety Department of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has changed its class and exam cancellation policy.

Effective June 1, 2021, individuals registered for a Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) alternative fuels class or exam who do not cancel their registration nor show up to the event, cannot transfer the registration fees to another event or individual.

The individual will be required to pay the fee if registering for another class or exam.

The RRC offers training, continuing education, and examinations in person and online. Registration is first-come; first served.

To register for classes or an exam, visit the RRC website at https://rrc.texas.gov/alternative-fuels/.

If you have questions, contact the RRC at training-exams@rrc.texas.gov and 512-463-2682.

With the abundance of propane being dispensed across the state at propane retail outlets, hardware stores, welding supply companies, and other facilities, there is a large number of individuals continuously seeking DOT cylinder filler certifications.

The DOT Cylinder Filling certification allows an individual to inspect, requalify, fill, disconnect and connect cylinders, including industrial truck cylinders, and to exchange cylinder valves.

To assist this large faction, Senator Bryan Hughes introduced Texas Senate Bill 1668 this Texas Legislative Session that will allow alternative training and examination for those seeking DOT cylinder filler certification through the Railroad Commission of Texas.

SB 1668 has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor. Effective September 1, 2021, unless the Governor vetoes it, will allow those seeking initial DOT cylinder certification to take the Dispensing Propane Safely course and exam developed by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).

Dispensing Propane Safely, developed by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), is one of the most popular training courses for the propane industry across the nation and has recently been updated with new content.

While TX SB 1668 does not become effective until September 1, 2021, we thought we could give you a PREVIEW of the course.

The refreshed curriculum details how to safely and effectively dispense propane. The course is divided into (3) modules that can be taken separately:

including the course module, Dispensing Propane Safely for Small Cylinders.

The course is a great refresher for longtime employees and an excellent resource for new hires, especially once it satisfies the initial training and examination requirements for the RRC DOT cylinder filler certification later in the year after September 1st.

The course and exam can be taken online through PERC’s Online Learning Center at www.training.propane.com. 

Additionally, all of the resources for delivering instructor-led training are now available on PERC’s Propane Resource Catalog at https://propane.com/resource-catalog for download or by ordering a USB. Classroom instruction materials include a PowerPoint, instructor guide, participant workbook, and on-the-job training worksheets.

TPGA President Josh McAdams asks that you SAVE THE DATE: June 22, 2021, for the upcoming board and committee meetings at The Westin Hotel at the Domain in Austin, TX.

Important information will need to be discussed before the special session of the Texas legislature, deciding on the next steps for regulatory matters, and upcoming meetings. Also, board members from the Supplier section will be elected.

9:00a – 10:00a  Legislative/T&S

10:15a – 11:15a Supplier Meeting

11:30a – 12:30p Lunch

12:45p – 1:45p  Meeting Planning Committee

2:00p – 3:00p   Executive Committee

2:15p – 3:15p   Finance Committee

3:30p – 5:00p   Board of Directors