Forktruck LP Gas Safety

Objectives Review OSHA’s regulations. Outline the hazards of Liquefied

Petroleum gas. Understand the proper method of

changing an LP tank and safety precautions to follow.

Powered Industrial Trucks29 CFR 1910.178(f)(2)

“The storage and handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Fuel shall be in accordance with NFPA storage and handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gasses.” (NFPA No. 58-1969)

Hazards Associated With Liquefied Petroleum Gas Flammable gas - Fire and

Explosion.

Cryogenic liquid – Very cold – possible freezer burns/frostbite to skin.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP) /Propane

A derivative of natural gas. Heavier than air. Stays near the ground. Flammable in nature. (Flashpoint of -1560F) Explosive mixture at 2.15 – 9.60% by

volume of air. Odorless by nature. (Odor is added during

processing to enable detection of leaks.)

Fire Precautions When Working With LP tanks

Do not smoke in or around LP tanks or tank filling operations/areas.

No open flames, sparks or electric arcs near LP tanks or tank filling areas. Fill LP Tanks in a well ventilated area to prevent the build up of LP gas vapors.

Do not strike the sides of LP tanks with any spark producing item.

Keep tools and other metallic objects away from LP tanks.

Have a charged ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in filling areas.

LP Gas Safety

PPE Requirements

Safety Glasses. Rubber or Leather

Gloves.

Hazards

Under pressure Flammable in gas

form. Contact with liquid

causes burns similar to frostbite.

Irritating to eyes. Colorless vapor

Procedures to safely change an LP Tank

Wear safety glasses and rubber or leather gloves

Removing an LP tank

1.) Close the valve on the tank.2.) Loosen the hose from the tank slowly, allowing pressure to bleed off.3.) Release securing clamp on tank.4.) Remove the tank from the fork truck, ensuring it does not strike anything.

Procedures to safely change an LP Tank (cont.)

Wear safety glasses and rubber or leather gloves

Re–installing an LP Tank

1. Lift the tank onto the forktruck, ensuring it does not strike anything.

2. Secure the tank to the truck.3. Check the fuel line hose connection to ensure the

rubber O-Ring is present, in good condition and properly seated.

4. Connect fuel line hose to LP tank.5. Open valve slowly, listening/smelling for leaks.

Special ProceduresIf a hose is leaking, turn off tank valve,

slowly unscrew the hose line to bleed off pressure and then disconnect. Check the condition of the O-Ring as before. Re-connect fuel line hose to LP Tank and open valve slowly.

If leaking continues, shut off the tank If leaking continues, shut off the tank valve, disconnect the fuel hose line valve, disconnect the fuel hose line and notify automotive.and notify automotive.

LP Fuel Tank Safety

Know the HazardsUse the required PPE

No Open Flame