Lift truck tips: Handle propane safely
Propane is easy and safe to use, if lift truck operators follow the rules. Here are guidelines that will help ensure maximum safety and efficiency.
By Brian J. Feehan, Guest Columnist -- Modern Materials Handling, 12/1/2008
Before installing a filled propane cylinder on a lift truck, an operator should tick off the following items on his mental checklist:
• Check the truck’s cylinder locating pin. When a cylinder is installed in the cradle on the truck, the cylinder locator pin should enter the locating hole in the cylinder collar. When a cylinder pin is missing or broken, it allows the cylinder to be mounted in any position. A cylinder mounted in the wrong position creates two new problems. First, the liquid withdrawal tube is exposed to the vapor space, which may give a false indication that the cylinder is empty. Second, the pressure relief valve may be immersed in liquid fuel, which would cause the cylinder to vent liquid in the event that it was activated. Never use a forklift with a missing or damaged locating pin.
• Check the requalification date stamped on any propane cylinder before refilling. Cylinders remain qualified for 12 years after the date, unless a letter follows the date. A letter S after the date indicates that the cylinder must be requalified within seven years of the date; the letter E indicates that it must be requalified within five years. Never refill a cylinder that is out of qualification.
• Identify any defective or damaged cylinder and return it to a designated safe area. Defects can include leaks, cracks, bulges, serious dents or gouges, evidence of fire or heat damage, excessive rusting or corrosion, and damage to the cylinder valve, the valve protection, the pressure relief device, and the cylinder footring. Never refill, exchange or install a damaged or defective cylinder.
• Check repainted cylinder openings to make sure paint has not covered any gauge faces, weep holes in filler valves, or discharge openings in relief valves.
• Return to your propane supplier any cylinder that has been opened to the atmosphere. Air or moisture that has entered the cylinder could compromise safety and performance.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling forklift cylinders.
• Never use a cylinder that might have come in contact with anhydrous ammonia, which is often used to manufacture illegal drugs. If you notice a blue-green stain on the brass portion of the cylinder valve, place the cylinder in an area where hazards from ejection of the valve and product loss would be minimized, and contact your supervisor.
PERC has initiated projects on fuel quality, technology development and marketing to support the growth of the propane forklift market. New legislation has extended a tax credit for end users. For every gallon of odorized propane consumed in a forklift, there’s a 50-cent fuel tax credit available through the end of 2009.
For more information on propane safety or programs available through the Propane Education and Research Council, call PERC vice president Brian J. Feehan at 202-452-8975.
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