Propane, commonly referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, is often used to fuel forklifts. The substance is colorless, nontoxic, and virtually odorless, which may make it seem harmless. Yet, if propane safety measures are not followed, the consequences can be dire.
With competitive price and timely delivery, HULKMAN sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Safe handling of a forklift propane tank is a must. By teaching your workers about forklift propane tank safety, you can verify that all lift fuel containers are stored and maintained properly. Plus, you can comply with myriad forklift propane safety requirements.
Propane is flammable, and as such, businesses that store, use, or transport propane must follow CGA (Compressed Gas Association) and OSHA safety guidelines. In doing so, these companies can limit the risk of propane explosions, spills, and other fuel-related accidents.
CGA and OSHA propane safety guidelines can be classified into three categories:
To properly store propane, workers must:
Limit the amount of propane stored in an industrial facility to 300 lbs.; in buildings with designated areas for propane storage, workers can store up to 10,000 lbs. of propane
Avoid storing propane cylinders in high-traffic and busy areas, such as near stairways or exits
Keep propane cylinders away from any flammable or combustible materials
Store propane in cylinder safety cages or cabinets; propane cylinders must be kept off the ground and in flat areas where they cannot collect water
Keep any propane cylinders that are not currently in use outside in an open air storage space or cage; these cylinders must be stored under a protective roof and remain a minimum of 20 ft. away from all buildings
Keep propane tanks away from areas where they may be exposed to excessive heat (temperatures of 120°F or higher)
Use a chain or other support systems to prevent propane cylinders from falling
Check the date on a propane cylinder’s collar periodically to ensure that the cylinder’s re-qualification date has not passed
Keep an eye out for rust and other signs of leaks on propane tanks
Ensure fire extinguishers are placed near areas where propane cylinders are stored
Protect propane cylinder valves to limit the risk of damage if cylinders are dropped or fall
In addition to these storage requirements, propane cylinders used for forklifts must be stored horizontally or vertically. If these cylinders are placed horizontally, their relief device must be pointed upward in the 12 o’clock position.
In terms of propane tank use, CGA and OSHA require workers to:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions any time they use a forklift or other propane-powered equipment
Ensure only trained and authorized personnel use propane-powered equipment and replace propane tanks
Wear hand, face, and eye protection when connecting or disconnecting a propane tank from equipment
Avoid using metal tools when they change a propane tank
Avoid using too much force when they open a propane tank valve
Avoid rolling, dropping, or dragging a propane cylinder
Close a propane tank’s valve any time the cylinder is not in use
Perform periodic inspections of any propane-powered equipment
Avoid smoking or any other potential ignition sources when working near a propane tank
Avoid disassembling a propane tank
Avoid letting a propane tank overheat
Avoid modifying or repairing a propane tank valve or regulator
For more information, please visit Lpg Forklift.
Treat empty propane cylinders with the same level of care and attention as if they were full
Propane tank safety is vital, particularly when it comes to businesses that use propane every day. By prioritizing safe use of propane, these businesses can take measures to prevent propane-related accidents.
To ensure safe transport of propane tanks, CGA and OSHA advise workers to:
Keep propane tanks upright and secure them during transport
Close all propane tank valves and seal them with a plug as needed, even if the cylinders are empty
Avoid leaving propane tanks in closed vehicles
Ventilate propane tanks during transport
Avoid smoking when handling or transporting propane tanks
When a vehicle transporting propane tanks reaches its final destination, CGA and OSHA require workers to keep the vehicle at least 5 ft. away from propane tank storage containers. This ensures that propane tank valves are easily accessible.
Propane tank safety is a key consideration for forklift operators. Of course, these operators can conduct inspections to validate the safety, quality, and integrity of their machines as well.
Businesses that use propane-powered forklifts must do everything in their power to ensure their operators know how to safely use their machines. The following OSHA propane-powered forklift safety checklist can help these companies and their employees do just that.
Operators should inspect the following components of propane-powered forklifts daily before they start to use them:
They should also:
If any issues are identified, the operator should correct them immediately. If a forklift is in need of significant repairs, the machine should be taken out of commission. At this point, the forklift can be repaired by a qualified technician. Only after the forklift is repaired and evaluated by a qualified technician should it be used once again.
When an operator puts the key into their forklift’s ignition, he or she can validate that the machine’s front, tail, and brake lights work correctly. The operator can also inspect the following engine components:
Now is a great time to test the forklift’s steering, brakes, and horn as well. If the lift has a safety seat, verify the seat is functioning as expected, too.
Lastly, an operator can check the performance of various forklift load-handling attachments and the machine’s transmission fluid level. He or she can address minor issues on their own. If a forklift requires substantial repairs, the machine should be brought to a qualified technician.
Along with CGA and OSHA propane tank safety requirements, businesses can use the following tips to further reduce their risk of propane-related accidents:
Never use a damaged propane tank. Instead, notify a propane supplier to safely dispose of the defective tank.
Use a propane tank that has an overfill protection device in place. This device ensures the tank is filled to the proper level; otherwise, if the tank is overfilled, propane in the cylinder won’t have sufficient room to expand and may combust.
Apply a leak detector solution or soapy water to a propane tank’s connector valve and outlet. Then, open the cylinder valve to see if bubbles start to form. If bubbles develop, double-check the connection by closing the valve, tightening it, and opening the valve again. At this point, if bubbles still develop, the tank is defective and must be replaced.
1. How long does a tank last?
A typical propane tank lasts six to eight hours. The length of time that the tank can be used varies based on the size of a forklift’s engine.
2. When does a tank need to be replaced?
Tanks of 100 lbs. or less have an expiration date of 12 years from when they were manufactured. They must be inspected and requalified every five to 10 years.
3.Can tanks be stored anywhere at a worksite?
No. Tanks must be stored in a safe location to limit the risk of explosions, spills, and other issues that otherwise hamper workplace safety.
Propane safety is a key consideration, especially if a business uses propane-powered forklifts. By educating workers about propane tank safety, a business can lower its risk of propane-related accidents.
Certification training programs are available to teach your workers about safe use and storage of forklift propane tanks. A certification training program lets your employees learn about forklift safety at their own speed. It also allows them to become OSHA-approved forklift operators.
Want more information on Electric Material Handling Machine? Feel free to contact us.