Educational Seminars

The LGA is proud to bring more educational seminars to its members this year! These trainings and roundtables are designed to inform, educate, and provide the opportunity to learn using the new GASTEC facility. Registration is open to all members and non-members. We hope to see you there! 

REGISTRATION:
$35 for LGA Members | $50 for LGA Non-Members

LOCATION:
1400 W Irene Rd
Zachary, LA


BECOME A LUNCH SPONSOR:
LGA is looking for Lunch Sponsors or volunteers to cook for one of the seminars below! If you are interested in doing either (Sponsor Level is $250 or cooking for 30-35 people) please reach out to the LGA office at info@louisianagas.org.

  
SEMINAR DATE FACILITATOR

Horizontal Directional Drilling - Operational & Safety Training 

  • HDD Training class is designed to offer students a day to learn from industry experts. Classroom instruction would drive home the theory behind HDD, job site safety, equipment operational safety, damage prevention and equipment maintenance tips. The afternoon session would entail a live demo of a directional bore, including best practices and manufacturer's recommendations. Participants include field, management and office personnel.

CURRENTLY BEING RESCHEDULED

TBD

 

  • Charlie Gauthier [Ditch Witch]


Driver Safety Course with La State Police trainers at JESTC

  • The aim of the LASP Driver training is to make your personnel better drivers by increasing their general awareness of the entire roadway, space management of the vehicle, and increasing their knowledge of the mechanics of their vehicle.  All of this combined will make them more aware and better defensive drivers. The class consists of approximately 4 hours of classroom and four hours of hands-on driver training on the track.

  • Examples of topics covered are:

    • Proper backing techniques

    • Driving through confined areas

    • Proper use of ABS brakes to control your vehicle in emergency situations

    • Safely maneuvering your vehicle during emergency braking

  • LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS | $155 per participant. Lunch will be provided for the session.


 

April 10, 2024

  • JESTC Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC), LA State Police


Digital Testing Technologies & Natural Gas Measurement Fundamentals

  • Gas line pressure testing plays an important role any time natural gas piping systems are installed. It helps to identify any design flaws or any weaknesses in the pipe, fillings, or joints before the pipe is taken on line, which can prevent gas leaks and potential issues down the road. Learn about the newest digital technologies transforming pressure testing in our industry. The measurement part of the seminar will provide a basic understanding of natural gas measurement fundamentals and practical instruction to produce a more knowledgeable and proficient measurement staff. It will also emphasize the importance of accurate measurement and system balance to the bottom line.  


     

April 23, 2024

  • Mike Talkington & Vertis Grummert [JM Test Systems]

Valve Operation & Maintenance

  • The seminar will cover valve maintenance procedures which include lubrication techniques and servicing valves with various tools and cleaners used to conduct proper maintenance. Manually opening and closing valves, valve visual inspection and partial operation, and valve preventive maintenance and care.


     

April 24, 2024

  • Chad Neisner [CSN Solutions]

Damage Prevention Workshop

  • The lifeblood of any safety-conscious organization begins with training and awareness of locating and exposing underground facilities. Awareness and knowledge about how to help prevent damages to underground facilities results in a safer working environment for excavators and the general public. This seminar provides an opportunity to recognize the significant knowledge and expertise required to complete the complicated task of locating underground facilities, including dig laws, best practices, and locating field knowledge. The seminar will include hands-on training with locating equipment and underground facilities.

    REGISTRATION COMING SOON

May 1, 2024

  • Greg Galle [LDNR]

  • Cole Vanderlick [LA 811]

  • Raymond Sonnier [Atmos Energy]

Driver Safety Course with La State Police trainers at JESTC

  • The aim of the LASP Driver training is to make your personnel better drivers by increasing their general awareness of the entire roadway, space management of the vehicle, and increasing their knowledge of the mechanics of their vehicle.  All of this combined will make them more aware and better defensive drivers. The class consists of approximately 4 hours of classroom and four hours of hands-on driver training on the track.

  • Examples of topics covered are:

    • Proper backing techniques

    • Driving through confined areas

    • Proper use of ABS brakes to control your vehicle in emergency situations

    • Safely maneuvering your vehicle during emergency breaking

  • LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS | $155 per participant. Lunch will be provided for the session.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

May 16, 2024

  • JESTC Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC), LA State Police

Regulator & Relief Valve Training

  •  This seminar will include instruction on sizing, installation, and working fundamentals of residential, commercial, and industrial gas regulators, relief valves and will include hands-on activities using the GasTEC regulator facilities

July 24, 2024

  • Rob Mistretta [John H. Carter]

  • Brannon Cook [John H. Carter]

First Responder Fire Suppression Training/Prevent Accidental Ignition

  • When first responders arrive on the scene of a gas fire, the initial minutes are critical to making sound, safe decisions on controlling the fire.  Making the scene safe, understanding the abnormal operating condition and extinguishing the blaze are all part of safely and effectively managing the incident.  Participants will begin with classroom time, then go out to the GasTEC fire pits for hands-on training for handling 3 different gas fire scenarios.

TBD

  • Richard Browning [HazMat Special Services]

CP: Basic & Advanced

  • ​An introduction to basic cathodic protection theory that will cover CP regulations, criteria, IR drop, coupon test stations, induced AC corrosion, and personal hazards.

    • Basic training will include the definition of corrosion, methods to control corrosion, corrosion control testing and troubleshooting, and troubleshooting technique

    • Advanced training will include visual inspection of atmospheric corrosion, visual inspection of buried pipe and components when exposed, visual inspection of installed pipe and components for mechanical damage, measure structure – to – --electrolyte potential, and inspect rectifier and obtain readings.

TBD

  • Mark Jarreau [Bass Engineering]

T.D. Williamson (TDW) Tapping & Plugging Workshop

  • Tapping, plugging and pigging instruction for operating on and maintaining pipelines.

TBD (to be conducted over 3 days)

  • Paul Poppell & Brandon Boyd [T.D. Williamson]

Small Operator Pipeline Safety Seminar & Roundtable

  • In this seminar the LA Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) Office of Conservation, Pipeline Division employees will cover key current topics and challenges facing small operators relating to Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49 CFR Parts 190-199. The agenda will be driven by topics most important to small operators based on input from LDNR inspectors. Some of the topics may include completion of annual report, construction, operation and maintenance requirements, DIMP & SHRIMP process and compliance, etc. The session will be interactive and questions/answers are encouraged by all participants.

TBD
(planning to host around the state)

Locating, Grading and Managing Natural Gas Leaks

  • Actions taken when a Gas Line is leaking (inside or outside a house or business). How to locate and track a gas leak situation with the latest leak-locating equipment and best practices. As a first responder arriving on the scene of a gas fire or blowing gas, the first 5 minutes can make the difference between life or death for a customer. Knowing what to do and what not to do, to make the scene safe could mean the difference between saving lives or a fatality.

  • Basic knowledge of Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOC’s), what to look for and what to do when an unsafe situation occurs. Effectively and safely managing gas leak emergencies for all stakeholders. This includes squeezing off a line, static electricity (cold weather changes things) and when to let the gas burn off. Additionally, determining Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) using Remote Methane Leak Detection (RMLD) equipment specific to firefighting/hazmat personnel will be covered.

TBD

First Responder Training - Controlling Natural Gas Fires

  • When first responders arrive on the scene of a gas fire, the initial minutes are critical to making sound, safe decisions on controlling the fire.  Making the scene safe, understanding the abnormal operating condition, and extinguishing the blaze are all part of safely and effectively managing the incident.  Participants will begin with classroom time, then go out to the GasTEC fire pits for hands-on training for handling 3 different gas fire scenarios.

TBD

Gas Metering – From Meter to Burner Tip

  • Covers the steps taken from the Meter to Burner Tip / Lighting Appliances, Safety Check and Meter Testing. Covers different metering sizes, Residential and Commercial Applications.

TBD

Distribution Safety Roundtable

  • This roundtable will consist of specific safety-related agenda topics such as working in hazardous natural gas atmosphere, work zone safety, excavation best practices, competent person responsibilities, personal protective equipment requirements, damage prevention, root cause analysis, and federal & state regulation as they relate to job site safety for gas work. It will also include some of the latest safety challenges and solutions that have proven to improve safety results in our industry. 

TBD


CONTACT LGA

Questions? Contact the LGA office.
Ph: (225) 218-6885
Fax: (225) 767-7648
Email: info@louisianagas.org