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Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
(Kagawaran ng Enerhiya)

DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 9¢2023-07- 0025 (lw

GUIDELINES ON THE RECOGNITION OF TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS FOR
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONS OF DOE-REGULATED LIQUEFIED
PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS

Pursuant to Section 4.2 (d) (xiii) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of
Republic Act (RA) No. 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, the Department of
Energy (DOE) hereby issues, adopts and promulgates the following rules and
regulations:

Rule |. General Provisions
Section 1. Scope.

This Department Circular (DC) shall govern the recognition by the DOE of a Training
Organization authorizing such to conduct training courses for individuals who will be
working as Qualified Service Persons in any of the Activities or facilities of the DOE-
regulated LPG industry participants.

No such organization shall be authorized to issue a Training Certificate without valid
recognition as a Training Organization from the DOE. Only a Training Certificate
issued by a duly recognized Training Organization shall be considered valid and
acceptable to the DOE without prejudice to those issued by other organizations duly
recognized and accredited by the government.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy.

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect the interests of End Consumers, .

ensure their general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for business.
Towards this end, the State shall:

| 2.1 Institute reforms in the existing standards of conduct and codes of practice
for LPG industry;

2.2 Ensure the health, safety, security, environmental, and quality standards «

for the following:

(a) Importing, refining, storing, exporting, refilling, transportation,
distribution, and marketing of LPG; .

(6) Importation, manufacture, requalification, repair, scrappage,
exchange, swapping, and improvement of LPG Pressure Vessels,
whichever is applicable;

Energy Center, Rizal Drive cor. 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines 1632
Tel. No. (Trunkline) (632) 8479-2900

Website: http://www.doe.gov.ph; Email: info@doe.gov.ph

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2.3

2.4

2.5

Promote awareness regarding the health, safety, security, environmental,
and quality standards for the proper use of LPG, LPG Pressure Vessels,
and Ancillary Equipment through information dissemination and End
Consumer education campaigns;

Uphold the right of End Consumer to freely choose the Trademark or Trade
Name of LPG-filled cylinders they want to purchase and improve
competition in the LPG industry for the benefit of End Consumer; and

Be at the forefront of technological innovation, in partnership with public
and private stakeholders, by keeping abreast of and developing
homegrown advancements and breakthroughs in the LPG industry.

Section 3. Definition of Terms.

As used in this DC, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(a)
(b)

(d)

(e)

Act - refers to the LPG Industry Regulation Act;

Activities - refer to: ©

(1) Importing, refining, storing, exporting, refilling, transportation,
distribution, and marketing of LPG for residential, commercial,
industrial, or automotive use; and

(2) Importing, manufacturing, distribution, selling, requalifying, repairing,
and scrappage of LPG Pressure Vessels, whichever is applicable,
authorized LPG Seals, and other Ancillary Equipment;

Ancillary Equipment - refers to parts, devices, and accessories necessary
and indispensable for the safe and proper operation of an LPG Pressure
Vessel such as seals, valves, hoses, and regulators;

Applicant - refers to a DOE-regulated LPG participant engaged in the
operation of any of the Activities and facilities of the LPG industry or an LPG
association engaged in advocacies and implementation of the law, rules
and regulations, plans and programs of the LPG industry who applies for
the issuance of a DOE recognition certificate as a Training Organization of —
the LPG industry;

Auto-LPG Dispensing Station - refers to a facility or business establishment,
which sells Auto-LPG directly to Auto-LPG vehicle users. It may be a
standalone establishment, or located within or operated within a liquid
petroleum products retail outlet;

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(f) Bulk Supplier - refers to a duly authorized natural or juridical person who
engages in the sale or distribution of LPG in large quantities and requires
bulk storage of LPG;

(g) Centralized LPG Piping System - refers to a means of distributing LPG
through a closed system of pipelines within a building from locally installed
LPG pressure vessels;

(h) Dealer - refers to any duly authorized natural or juridical person engaged in
the trading or sale of LPG in cylinders to retail outlets or directly to End
Consumer;

(i) DOE Recognition Certificate - refers to a document issued by the DOE,
through the OIMB, to a DOE-regulated LPG industry participant or an LPG
association which has complied with all the requirements under this DC
qualifying such as a Training Organization of the LPG industry;

(j) DOE-regulated LPG industry participants - refer to Importer, Refiner, Bulk
Distributor, Terminal and/or Depot owner/lessor, Hauler, Refiller,
Trademark owner or Marketer, Dealer, Retailer, Auto-LPG Dispensing
Station owner/operator, and Centralized LPG Piping System
owner/operator as defined in the Act's Implementing Rules and
Regulations;

(k) End Consumer - refers to any person who purchases LPG for own
consumption;

(l) | FOs - refer to the DOE field offices for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao;

(m) Hauler - refers to a duly authorized natural or juridical person involved in
the transportation, distribution, and delivery of LPG in cylinders and
cartridges, and bulk LPG through the use of authorized motor vehicles:

(n) OIMB - refers to the Oil Industry Management Bureau of the DOE;

(0) LPG - refers to liquefied petroleum gas which consists of commercial
propane gas or commercial butane gas, or a mixture of both gases, with
properties conforming to the standards set forth in the PNS;

(p) LPG Association — refers to a juridical entity composed of DOE-regulated
LPG industry participants created to pursue advocacies and
implementation of the law, rules and regulations, plans and programs of the
LPG industry;

(q) LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program - refers to a system that
allows End Consumer to exercise their freedom of choice in the purchase
of LPG-filled cylinders through LPG Cylinder exchange and LPG swapping;

Department Circular No.
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(r)

(s)

(t)

(u)

(v)

(w)

(x)

(y)

(2)

Department Circular No.

License to Operate or “LTO” - refers to a certification issued by the DOE to
a natural or juridical person intending to engage in business for a specific
Activity as an LPG industry participant who has complied with all the
documentary requirements, quality and safety standards, rules, and
regulations prescribed by the DOE and other pertinent government
agencies for such an Activity;

PNS - refers to the Philippine National Standards promulgated by the
Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-
BPS) pertaining to product specifications, test methods, terminologies,
procedures, or practices pursuant to RA 4109, otherwise known as “An Act
to Convert the Division of Standards Under the Bureau of Commerce into
a Bureau of Standards, to Provide for the Standardization and/or inspection
of Products and Imports of the Philippines and for Other Purposes”, and
other applicable laws, rules, and regulations;

Qualified Service Person - refers to an individual who has successfully
completed an approved training course for LPG service persons by the
DOE, the DTI, and other relevant government agencies as specified in the
Act, or an organization duly recognized and accredited by the government;

Refiller - refers to a service provider authorized by the Trademark Owner to
refill LPG Cylinders on the latter’s behalf, or any Trademark Owner which
refills LPG into its own LPG Cylinders;

Refiner - refers to a duly authorized natural or juridical person who refines
crude oil and other naturally occurring petroleum hydrocarbons through
distillation, conversion, and treatment;

Retailer - refers to a duly authorized natural or juridical person engaged in
the direct and exclusive trade or sale of LPG in cylinders to End Consumer
whose maximum floor stock is determined by the DOE;

Terminal - refers to a facility used to import, receive, unload, and load LPG
from local or foreign sources. It is equipped with a port, jetty, and other
infrastructure;

Training Certificate - refers to a document issued by a Training Organization
to an individual who has successfully completed an approved training
course qualifying such as a Service Person in any of the Activity and facility
of the LPG industry covered by the training program;

Training Organization — refers to a DOE-regulated LPG industry participant
or an LPG association recognized and issued with a DOE recognition
certificate under this DC; and

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(aa) Trainer — refers to the officially recognized instructors duly certified by the
Training Organization to be sufficiently knowledgeable of the training
module covered by its training program and possesses the qualifications
set forth in Section 7 hereof.

Rule il. Qualified Service Person
Section 4. Mandatory Requirement.

An individual who will be working as a Qualified Service Person as identified by the
Training Organization in any of the Activities or facilities of the DOE-regulated LPG
industry participants shall be required to successfully complete an approved training
course conducted by said Training Organization to qualify them as Service Persons of
the specific Activity and facility covered by the training program.

Rule iil. Training Organization Recognition Requirements
Section 5. Qualifications and Responsibilities of an Applicant.

The following qualifications and responsibilities shall be complied with by all applicants
for the issuance of a DOE Recognition Certificate as a Training Organization:

(a) The applicant shall refer to a DOE-regulated LPG participant engaged in
the operation of any of the Activities and facilities of the LPG industry. or an
LPG association engaged in advocacies and implementation of the law,
rules and regulations, plans and programs of the LPG industry;

(bo) All the DOE-regulated LPG participants referred to in Section 5(a) shall
comply with the issuance of an LTO and registration required u under the Act
and its implementing guidelines;

(c) The applicant shall submit to the DOE a complete set of training program
and module for the safe operation of any of the Activities and facilities of
the LPG industry it intends to cover in the training program;

(d) The applicant shall establish a complete set of Trainers duly certified to be
sufficiently knowledgeable of the module covered by its training program
and possesses the qualifications set forth in Section 7 hereof;

(e) The applicant shall establish training venue/s with corresponding
administrative personnel that will ensure an effective conduct of training;

(f) The applicant shall offer the training program openly to all trainees on a
nationwide basis. In view hereof, the applicant must specify the maximum
number of trainees it can accommodate for a particular training program;

Department Circular No,
Guidelines on the Recognition of Training Organizations for Qualified Service Persons of DOE-
Regulated LPG Industry Participants

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(g) The applicant warrants the complete, effective, and professional conduct of
training, assessment, and issuance of Training Certificate to trainees; and

(h) In relation to the conduct of training and issuance of Training Certificate,
the Training Organization and the trainee shall endeavor to amicably settle
any dispute. The Training Organization shall conduct a fair, transparent,
and complete dispute resolution process without additional cost to the
trainee. The Training Organization shall resolve any dispute within thirty
(30) calendar days from the filing by a trainee of a written complaint.

Compliance with the following qualifications and responsibilities shall be maintained
by the Training Organization to continuously qualify as a holder of the DOE
Recognition Certificate.

Section 6. Documentary Requirements.

The following documentary requirements shall be submitted by the Applicant to the
DOE through the OIMB:

6.1 Application letter signed by the applicant or by the authorized
representative;

6.2 Applicant’s profile which includes the following information:

(a) Business name, address and contact details both landline and email
address;

(b) Management profile - Owner, President and /or CEO, Board of
Directors and the Executive Committee for LPG operation in case the
applicant is a DOE-regulated LPG participant. The participant shall
submit certified true copy of its LTO and registration;

(c) Membership profile in case the applicant is an LPG association. The
management profile of each member DOE-regulated LPG participant
shall be attached as prescribed in Section 6.2 (b) above;

(d) Executive briefer of the applicant’s purpose and operation; and

(e) Notarized authorization certificate if the applicant designates an
authorized representative to process the application, sign and
approve the documentary requirements;

6.3 Complete set of training program and module for the specific Activity and
facility it intends to cover in the training program which shall contain the
minimum contents enumerated under Rule IV hereof;

Department Circular No. .
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Regulated LPG Industry Participants

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6.4 Professional profile of each Trainer with credentials, and certification from
the applicant confirming the sufficiency of their knowledge on the module
covered by the training program; and

6.5 Training venue profile which includes, among others, a description of the
facility, address, and its corresponding set of administrative personnel who
will manage the facility and conduct the training effectively.

Section 7. Qualifications of Trainers.
The following minimum qualifications shall be complied with by all applicants:
7.1. Managerial and Legal Training.

(a) Managerial - must have at least five (5) years of relevant work
experience in the LPG industry in managerial level positions. The
managerial level should feature the knowledge and experience of
directing policies, management and/or operation of an LPG Activity or
facility; and

(b) Legal - a lawyer in case of instructions covering laws, rules and
regulations governing the management and operation of the Activities
or facilities of the LPG industry.

7.2 Technical Training.

(a) Must have at least three (3) years of relevant work experience in the
LPG industry where two (2) years of which is technical related; and

(b) Must be at least a certified Safety Officer 2 (SO2) based on
Department of Labor and Employment - Bureau of Working Condition
classification of safety officer for facility and safety practice standards
related discussions; or

(c) Other applicable Trainers with appropriate professional competence
on other subject matter of discussion.

The applicant may invite resource speakers from the relevant government agencies
as part of its set of Trainers.

Rule IV. Content of Training Program and Module

The Applicant shall prepare its training programs and modules containing the .
following:

Section 8. Training Program.

The applicant shall submit a training program for each type of operation provided in
Section 9 hereof which will include and describe the following details:

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Regulated LPG Industry Participants

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(a)
(b)

(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

(9)

(h)

Type of instruction materials and manner of instruction;

Training schedule, trainee enrollment procedure and maximum number of
trainees allowed per training course;

Allocated time per course;
Conduct of actual or simulation exercise;
Professional qualifications of the Trainer per course;

Mechanism for trainee evaluation and assessment such as written, actual,
or simulated examination;

Grounds for non-acceptance of a trainee. The grounds may be reviewed
and revised by the DOE subject to discussion with the Training
Organization; and

Other information relevant to the completion of the training program.

Section 9. Training Module.

The applicant shall submit training module/s for each type of operation which will
include and discuss the following content:

9.1 Refinery Operation.

(a) LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Particular emphasis should be made on functions of
government agencies, responsibilities of a Refiner, Cylinder
Exchange and Swapping Program, prohibited acts and penalties;

(b) Industry value chain;
(c) Permits and licenses;
(d) Product knowledge and its PNS;

(e) Facility layout and design, its relevant components describing thereof
the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standard. Particular emphasis should be made on operational
standards and resiliency measures against earthquakes, flood, and
fire and leak such as gas leak detector system, leak containment
system, water sprinkler and fire extinguisher system, explosion-proof
electrical system, and ventilation system;

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(f) Facility safety signages and markings;

(g) Safety practice and procedure on LPG product processing and
handling from crude oil refining, production or direct importation,
storage, and transport to depot or Refilling plants describing thereof
the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standard.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this section;

(h) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel specifications:

(1) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of tank
truck describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence,
the reference international standard; and/or

(2) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of
marine vessel describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its
absence, the reference international standard;

(i) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk
describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in bulk;

(2) Tank truck and/or marine vessel maintenance program.
Emphasis on tank truck and marine vessel calibration and
sealing; and

(3) Tank truck and/or marine vessel prior dispatch inspection
requirements and procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(j) | Occupational safety requirements:
(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;

(2) Toolbox meeting;

(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

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(k)

(I)

(m)

(4) Communication tools;

Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and

(2) Emergency response procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this section;

Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, the transport, and the emergency response; and

Basic business principles - finance, inventory, sales and marketing
and operations.

9.2 Import Terminal and Depot Operation.

(a)

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

(f)
(9)

LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Particular emphasis should be made on functions of
government agencies, responsibilities of a Terminal or depot operator,
Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program, prohibited acts and
penalties;

LPG industry value chain;
Permits and licenses;
LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

Facility layout and design, its relevant components describing thereof
the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standard. Particular emphasis should be made on operational
standards and resiliency measures against earthquakes, flood, fire
and leak such as gas leak detector system, leak containment system,
water sprinkler and fire extinguisher system, explosion-proof electrical
system, and ventilation system;

Facility safety signages and markings;

Safety practice and procedure on LPG product processing and
handling from importation, storage, and transport to depot or Refilling
plants describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the
reference international standard.

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The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this section;

(h) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel specifications:

(1) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of tank
truck describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence,
the reference international standard; and/or

(2) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of
marine vessel describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its
absence, the reference international standard;

(i) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk
describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in bulk;

(2) Tank truck and/or marine vessel maintenance program.
Emphasis on Tank truck and marine vessel calibration and
sealing; and

(3) Tank truck and/or marine vessel prior dispatch inspection
requirements and procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(j) | Occupational safety requirements:
(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;
(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

(4) Communication tools;

(k) Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and

(2) Emergency response procedure.

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Regulated LPG industry Participants

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(1)

(m)

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this section;

Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, bulk transport, and emergency response; and

Basic business principles - finance, inventory, sales and marketing
and operations.

9.3 Transport Operation - LPG in Bulk, in Cylinder and/or in Cartridge.

(a)

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

(f)

(g)

Department Circular No.

LPG Industry Regulation Act and its implementing rules and
regulations. Particular emphasis should be made on functions of
government agencies, responsibilities of a Hauler, Cylinder Exchange
and Swapping Program, prohibited acts and penalties;

LPG industry value chain;
Permits and licenses;
LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

LPG cylinder and/or cartridge knowledge and the PNS on their
manufacturing, requalification, repair and disposal;

Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel specifications:

(1) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of tank
truck, four-wheeled, three-wheeled, and two-wheeled motor
vehicle describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence,
the reference international standard; and/or

(2) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of
marine vessel describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its
absence, the reference international standard;

Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk, in

.cylinder and/or in cartridge describing thereof the applicable PNS or,

in its absence, the reference international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in bulk, in cylinder
and/or in cartridge;

Guidelines on the Recognition of Training Organizations for Qualified Service Persons of DOE-
Regulated LPG Industry Participanis

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(2) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel maintenance program.
Emphasis on Tank truck and marine vessel calibration and
sealing; and

(3) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel prior dispatch inspection
requirements and procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(h) Occupational safety requirements:
(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;
(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

(4) Communication tools;

(i) Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and

(2) Emergency response procedure.

The training program shail include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(j) Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, transport, and emergency response; and

(k) Basic business principles — finance and operations.

9.4 Refilling Plant Operation.

(a) LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Particular emphasis should be made on functions of
government agencies, responsibilities of a Refiller, Cylinder Exchange
and Swapping Program, prohibited acts and penalties;

(b) LPG industry value chain;

(c) Permits and licenses;

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(d) LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

(e) LPG cylinder and PNS on its manufacturing, requalification, repair and
disposal;

(f) LPG cylinder ancillary equipment and PNS on their manufacturing and

disposal:
(1) Hose;
(2) Valves;

(3) Regulators; and
(4) Security Seal;
(g) Measuring devices and their calibration requirement and procedure:
(1) Flow metering system; and
(2) Cylinder weighing scale;

(h) Facility layout and design, and its relevant components describing —
thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standard. Particular emphasis should be made on
operational standards and resiliency measures against earthquakes,
flood, fire and leak such as gas leak detector system, leak
containment system, water sprinkler and fire extinguisher system,
explosion-proof electrical system, and ventilation system;

(i) Facility safety signages or markings;

(j) Safety practice and procedure on safe LPG and cylinder handling
describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standard:

(1) LPG product handling from receipt and storage; and

(2) LPG cylinder handling from transport motor vehicle unloading,
decanting, assessment, requalification, repair, and disposal,
filling of serviceable cylinder, accurate weighing, and loading of
LPG-filled cylinder to motor vehicle for transport to Dealer or
Retailer outlets.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

Department Circular No.
Guidelines on the Recognition of Training Organizations for Qualified Service Persons of DOE-
Regulated LPG Industry Participants

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(k) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel specifications:

(1) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of tank
truck and four-wheeled motor vehicle describing thereof the
applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standard; and/or

(2) Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of
marine vessel describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its
absence, the reference international standard;

(l) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk and in
cylinder describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the
reference international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in bulk and in cylinder;

(2) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel maintenance program.
Emphasis on Tank truck and marine vessel calibration and
sealing; and

(3) Motor vehicle and/or marine vessel prior dispatch inspection
requirements and procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(m) Occupational safety requirements:
(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;
(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

(4) Communication tools;

(n) Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and

(2) Emergency response procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

Department Circular No.
Guidelines on the Recognition of Training Organizations for Qualified Service Persons of DOE-
Regulated LPG Industry Participants

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(0)

(Pp)

Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, transport, and emergency response; and

Basic business principles - finance, inventory, sales and marketing
and operations.

9.5 Dealer Outlet Operation.

(a)

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

(g)

(h).

Department Circular No.

LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Particular emphasis should be made on functions of
government agencies, responsibilities of a Dealer, Cylinder Exchange
and Swapping Program, prohibited acts and penalties;

LPG industry value chain;

Permits and licenses;

LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

LPG cylinder and the PNS on its manufacturing, requalification, repair
and disposal:

LPG cylinder ancillary equipment and the PNS on their manufacturing
and disposal:

(1) Hose;

(2) Valves;

(3) Regulators; and
(4) Security Seal;

Measuring devices — cylinder weighing scale and its calibration
requirement and procedure;

Facility layout and design describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in
its absence, the reference international standards:

(1) Showroom layout design and specifications;
(2) Gas leak detector system;
(3) Leak containment system;

(4) Fire extinguisher and/or water sprinkler system;

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(5) Explosion-proof electrical system;
(6) Ventilation System; and
(7) Safety signages or markings;

(i) | Safety practice and procedure for cylinder handling describing thereof
the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standards:

(1) Leak checking and stacking;

(2) Checking of accurate weight before display ¢ and sale to End
Consumer; and

(3) Cylinder installation requirements and procedure at End
Consumer household or place of business.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(j) | Motor vehicle specifications:

Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of four-
wheeled, three-wheeled, or two-wheeled motor vehicle describing
thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standard;

(k) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk and in
cylinder describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the
reference international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in cylinder;
(2) Motor vehicle maintenance program; and

(3) Motor vehicle prior dispatch inspection requirements and
procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(l) Occupational safety requirements:

(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;

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(m)

(n)

(0)

(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and
(4) Communication tools;

Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and

(2) Emergency response procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this section;

Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, transport, and emergency response; and

Basic business principles — financial, inventory, sales and marketing
and operations.

9.6 Retail Outlet Operation.

(a)

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

(f)

LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Emphasis on functions of government agencies,
responsibilities of Retailer, Cylinder Exchange and Swapping
Program, prohibited acts and penalties;

LPG industry value chain;

Permits and licenses;

LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

LPG cylinder and the PNS on its manufacturing, requalification, repair
and disposal;

LPG cylinder ancillary equipment and the PNS on their manufacturing
and disposal:

(1) Hose;
(2) Valves;

(3) Regulators; and

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(4) Security Seal;

(g) Measuring devices - cylinder weighing scale and its calibration
requirement and procedure;

(h) Facility layout and design describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in
its absence, the reference international standards:

(1) Showroom layout design and specifications;
(2) Gas leak detector system;
(3) Leak containment system;
(4) Fire extinguisher and/or water sprinkler system;
(5) Explosion-proof electrical system;
(6) Ventilation System; and
(7) Safety signages or markings;
(i) Safety practice and procedure for cylinder handling describing thereof
the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standards:

(1) Leak checking and stacking;

(2) Checking of accurate weight before display and sale to End
Consumer; and

(3) Cylinder installation requirements and procedure at End
Consumer household or place of business.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(j) | Motor vehicle specifications:

Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of four-
wheeled, three-wheeled, or two-wheeled motor vehicle describing
thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standard;

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(k) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk and in
cylinder describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the
reference international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in cylinder;
(2) Motor vehicle maintenance program; and

(3) Motor vehicle prior dispatch inspection requirements and
procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(l) Occupational safety requirements:
(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;
(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

(4) Communication tools;

(m) Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and
(2) Emergency response procedure.
The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(n) Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, transport, and emergency response; and

(0) Basic business principles - financial, inventory, sales and marketing
and operations.

9.7 Auto-LPG Dispensing Station Operation.

(a) LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Emphasis on functions of government agencies,

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(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

(f)

(g)

responsibilities of Auto-LPG Dispensing Station operator, prohibited
acts and penalties;

LPG industry value chain;

Permits and licenses;

LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

Ancillary equipment and the PNS on their manufacturing and disposal:
(1) Hose;

(2) Nozzle; and

(3) Dispensing Pumps;

Facility layout and design describing thereof its applicable PNS or, in
its absence, the reference international standards:

(1) Auto-LPG dispensing station layout design requirements and
specifications;

(2) LPG storage tank, tank foundation and piping system design
requirement and specifications;

(3) Auto-LPG dispensing pump, island and cashier’s booth design
requirement and specifications;

(4) Gas leak detector system;

(5) Leak containment system;

(6) Fire extinguisher and/or water sprinkler system;

(7) Explosion-proof electrical system;

(8) Ventilation System; and

(9) Safety signages or markings;

Motor vehicle specifications:

Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of tank truck

describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standard;

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(h) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk
describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in buik;

(2) Tank truck maintenance program. Emphasis on Tank calibration
and sealing; and

(3) Tank truck prior dispatch inspection requirements and
procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(i) Safety practice and procedure on LPG handling describing thereof the
applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference international
standards:

(1) Dispensing of LPG to motor vehicle; and

(2) Dispensing pump calibration and sealing.

The training program shail include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(j) Occupational Safety requirements:

(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;
(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

(4) Communication tools;

(k) Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and
(2) Emergency response procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

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(1)

(m)

Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, transport, and emergency response; and

Basic business principles - financial, inventory, sales and marketing
and operations.

9.8 Centralized LPG Piping System and Bulk Consumer Operation.

(a)

(b)
(Cc)
(d)
(e)

LPG Industry Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations. Emphasis on functions of government agencies,
responsibilities of Centralized LPG Piping System operator, prohibited
acts and penalties;

LPG industry value chain;

Permits and license;

LPG product knowledge and its PNS;

Facility layout and design describing thereof its applicable PNS or, in
its absence, the reference international standards:

(1) Localized storage tank and piping system layout design
requirements and specifications for underground, aboveground,
or concealed;

(2) Metering system design requirements and specifications;

(3) Materials, valves, fittings, and accessories design requirements
and specifications;

(4) Gas leak detector system;

_ (5) Leak containment system;

(6) Fire extinguisher and/or water sprinkler system;

(7) Explosion-proof electrical system;

(8) Ventilation System; and

(9) Safety signages or markings;

Safety practice and procedure for storage tank and piping installation

describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standards:

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(1) Tools and equipment required for installation;

(2) Storage tank and centralized piping system _ installation
requirement and procedure;

(3) Metering system installation requirement and procedure; and
(4) Inspection and Testing.
The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(g) Motor vehicle specifications:
Design, specifications, and safety signages or markings of tank truck
describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standard;

(h) Safety practice and procedure on safe transport of LPG in bulk
describing thereof the applicable PNS or, in its absence, the reference
international standards:

(1) Loading, transport and unloading of LPG in bulk;

(2) Tank truck maintenance program. Emphasis on Tank calibration
and sealing; and

(3) Tank truck prior dispatch inspection requirements and
procedure.

The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(i) | Occupational safety requirements:
(1) Job hazard analysis orientation;
(2) Toolbox meeting;
(3) Personnel Protective Equipment; and

(4) Communication tools;

(i) | Emergency response manual and simulation exercise for earthquake,
flood, fire, and leak:

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(1) Emergency response brigade composition; and
(2) Emergency response procedure.
The training program shall include trainee’s actual training exercise,
video simulations or webinars or other applicable methodology on the
safety practice and procedure in this Section;

(k) Composition of the minimum Qualified Service Persons, their
qualifications and training program to effectively manage and operate
the facility, transport, and emergency response; and

(l) Basic management principles - financial, inventory, sales and
marketing and operations.

Rule V. DOE Evaluation and Monitoring
Section 10. Evaluation of Application.
The DOE, through the OIMB, shall be the handling unit for the receipt, evaluation, and
approval of all applications for the issuance of the DOE Recognition Certificate. The
OIMB evaluation may further require an actual presentation and explanation from the
applicant.

OIMB shall deny the issuance of any application in the following cases:

(a) The application is not compliant with the qualifications of the applicant
prescribed in Section 5 hereof;

(b) The submission of documentary requirements is incomplete as prescribed
in Section 6 hereof;

(c) The applicant is not compliant with the establishment of Trainers as
prescribed in Section 7 hereof,

(d) The training program and the module are not compliant with the content
prescribed in Rule IV hereof; and

(e) Nonpayment of application fee.

A duly recognized Training Organization shall continuously comply with all the
qualifications and requirements prescribed in this DC to maintain such recognition.

Section 11. Compliance Monitoring of Training Organization.

For monitoring purposes, the Training Organization shall submit to OIMB the following
update reports:

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(a) Submission on or before the tenth (10th) calendar day of the succeeding
month of the monthly report on the list of individuals who have successfully
completed the training course and issued with Training Certificate as
Qualified Service Person with details of the specific training program
completed, the corresponding seria) numbers and and with attached
certified true copy of issued Training Certificate/s;

(b) Submission of a formal notification to OIMB within thirty (30) calendar days
after the adoption of any changes on the content of the documentary
requirements submitted during the application as prescribed in Section 6
hereof;

(c) Submission of a formal notification to OIMB within thirty (30) calendar days
after the adoption of changes on any change to the set of Trainers;

(d) Submission of a formal notification to OIMB within thirty (30) calendar days
after the adoption of changes on any change to the training program and
module; and

(e) The OIMB and Fos shall conduct a regular compliance audit and actual
training observation before the end of the third year from issuance of the
recognition and within the same period thereafter, unless a special
compliance audit and actual training observation shall be done due to
reported or observed non-compliance with the requirements of this DC.

Rule VI. Validity of DOE Recognition Certificate
Section 12. Validity.
The DOE Recognition Certificate shall be a one (1) time issuance and will be valid
until suspended or cancelled by OIMB for non-compliance with the qualifications,
responsibilities, and requirements in this DC.
Rule Vil. Final Provisions

Section 13. Application Fee.

The application fee payable to DOE shail be in accordance with its duly published
schedule of fees and charges, which shall be available at the DOE website.

Section 14. Transition Period.

14.1 The requirement under Section 4 hereof shall become mandatory after one
(1) year from the effectivity of this Circular. This one (1) year transition

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period shall allow all interested applicants to prepare all the submission
requirements under this DC.

14.2 During the one (1) year transition period, the conduct of training and the
issuance of Training Certificate shall be made by the following DOE-
regulated LPG participants and LPG associations as training provider:

(a) Refinery facility - Owner/operator of the facility;

(b) Terminal or depot facility - Owner/operator of the facility and LPG
associations;

(c) Refilling plant, Centralized LPG piping system, Auto-LPG dispensing
station and Bulk Hauler - Bulk Supplier or owner/operator of the
facility; and

(d) Dealer outlet, Retailer outlet and Hauler of LPG in cylinder and/or
cartridge — Marketer, Refiller or LPG associations.

In compliance with this transition provision under Section 14.2 hereof, the
LTO applicant shall submit to OIMB or FOs, whichever is the handling office
based on the LTO guideline, the following documentary requirements for its
compliance with the submission of Training Certificate/s during the one (1)
year transition period:

(a) Transmittal letter addressed to OIMB or FOs endorsing officially the
Training Certificate/s issued by the training provider:

(b) Attach to the Training Certificate/s a notarized profile information
sheet of the training provider:

(1) Business name, address and contact details, both landline and
email address of the training provider;

(2) Management profile - Owner, President and /or CEO, board of
Directors and the Executive Committee of the training provider;

(3) Brief description of the business activity of the training provider
clearly showing relation to the training conducted;

(4) Certificate of authorized signatory of the Training Certificates
with specimen signatures issued by the training provider;

(5) List of Trainers;

(6) Content of the training program; and

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(7) Photocopy of LTO in case of DOE-regulated LPG participant.

14.3 The LPG industry, through the recognized Training Organizations, shall
pursue the production of a harmonized and unified set of training program
and module after two (2) years from the effectivity of this DC which shall be
used by all Training Organizations uniformly in the conduct of all trainings.
Such training program and module shall likewise be subjected to a regular
review and updating.

Section 15. Separability Clause.

Should any provision of this DC be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional,
such parts that are not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 16. Repealing Clause.

All other rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this DC are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 17. Effectivity.

This DC shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation. A copy of this Circular shall be filed with the
University of the Philippines Law Center-Office of the National Administrative Register
(UPLC-ONAR).

Done this of August 2023 at the DOE, Energy Center, Rizal Drive cor. 34
Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila.

RAPHAEL P.M. LOTILLA
Secretary

AUG 03 2023

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Be