Mass Transit magazine features agency profiles, industry trends, management tips and new product information.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 89 exception. Propane autogas vehicles meet or exceed the rules and safety re- quirements set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), National Highway Trafc Safety Administration (NHTSA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NFPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB). Additionally, propane autogas engine fuel systems are ftted with safety devices and shutof valves that automati- cally shut down in the rare event that the fuel line were to rupture. Propane autogas also offers a num- ber of safety advantages when compared with maintaining engines that are op- erating on other fuels. Propane autogas requires a high tem- perature to ignite. Gasoline and diesel fuel will catch fire at temperatures as low as 495 degrees Fahrenheit, where- as propane autogas won't ignite until it reaches a temperature of at least 920 degrees Fahrenheit. Among alternative fuels, propane autogas has the narrowest f lammabil- ity range. The f lammability range of propane autogas is comparable to that of gasoline and diesel fuel. Unlike gasoline and diesel fuel, if propane autogas leaks it does not pud- dle, but instead vaporizes and dissipates into the air. Propane autogas tanks are 20 times more puncture-resistant than gasoline tanks, so they are more durable in an accident. They can also withstand up to four times the pressure when com- pared with a gasoline tank. Training Training makes all the difference when it comes to the safe handling of propane. And for propane safety and training programs, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers train- ing manuals and resources for mainte- nance technicians and f leet operators on safe refueling practices. Additionally, original equipment manufacturers and dealers, such as Roush CleanTech, a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), and CleanFuel USA, in partnership with General Motors (GM), typically offer f leets basic safety, maintenance and training. This can include tips from how to manage and work on propane autogas fuel systems to driver training. Mike Taylor is the director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Prior to joining PERC in 2012, Taylor served as director of fleet management at Heritage Propane for four years and enjoyed a 22-year career in the school transportation industry. Most notably, Taylor held positions in sales, marketing and manufacturing management with Blue Bird Corp., the nation's largest school bus manufacturer. P.O. Box 117 · Villa Rica, Georgia 30180 · USA Phone (800) 241-1144 · Fax (770) 459 - 0957 International Corporation www.gmt-international.com RESILIENT COMPONENTS FOR RAIL VEHICLES For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10065132 Propane autogas is less famable than other alternative fuels and neater than gasoline or diesel.