What does the industry standard say about refueling fork trucks using propane, what are the recommended safety practices? I am in dispute with another manager in my work place, he says its ok to refuel the propane leaving the empty tank on the lift while refueling, I say it should be removed and placed on the ground in an up right position, then put back on the lift after the refueling process? Thanks for you input.
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From one former Michigander (left in 1967- but still a Lions, Tigers, Piston, Red Wing fan) to another -
Thanks Joesph h - you well know how to source forklift related safety information - kinda' like the Dewey Decimal System that the libraries used to have before I actually needed to shave.
I felt my initial reply was on the right track, your info filled in a lot of the holes and the information will be helpful to the fellow that originated the post & others.
As the Brits say "Good Show Bloke!"
The following procedure is from Siegel Gas & Oil Corp. (an LPG supplier in Florida):
"HOW TO FILL A PROPANE CYLINDER FROM A DISPENSER TANK
These procedures should always be followed when filling a propane cylinder from a dispenser tank:
* Put on safety goggles and gloves.
* Remove the propane cylinder from the forklift. NEVER FILL
THE CYLINDER WHILE IT IS STILL ON THE FORKLIFT.
* Visually inspect the propane cylinder for damage or leaks.
Check the certification date of the cylinder. Cylinders
should initially be recertified after 12 years and then every
5 years thereafter. If you have a cylinder that needs
recertification call Siegel Gas.
* Properly connect fill hose to fill valve on top of cylinder by
hand. NEVER USE TOOLS TO TIGHTEN OR LOOSEN
CONNECTIONS.
* Slowly open the valve at the end of the hose.
* Open the fixed liquid level gauge (spit valve) on top of the
cylinder.
* When the cylinder reaches 80% of capacity the spit valve
will begin "spitting" a white vapor (liquid propane.) Shut
off the hose first and then close the spit valve. NEVER
OVERFILL THE CYLINDER
* Remove the hose and check the cylinder for leaks with a
non-corrosive leak detection solution solution.
* Make sure o-rings are in their proper places.
* Load the full propane cylinder on the equipment. Make
sure the propane cylinder-centering pin enters the aligning
hole in the propane cylinder collar.
* Close the stabilizing clamp to hold the propane cylinder in
place.
* Connect the fuel line to the propane cylinder.
* Slowly open the service valve on the propane cylinder.
* Check for leaks with a non-corrosive leak detection
solution.
* Shut off the electric pump [if applicable]."
I think that while you will find the engine must be turned off, vehicle properly parked (park brake on, forks down, and not near an area where heavier than air LPG vapors may accumulate such as floor drains or elevator shafts) and all debris and possible sparks must be removed from the refueling area, that there is no requirement to remove the tank from the vehicle, any more than there is a requirement to remove the fuel tank from a gasoline powered vehicle.
There is a requirement to turn off the fuel at the tank and to run the remaining fuel out of the pressurized line on the tank prior to disconnection from the tank.
you must also wear face protection, long sleeves and "gauntlet" gloves.
dee c:
ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009
SAFETY STANDARD FOR LOW LIFT AND HIGH LIFT TRUCKS
4.6 Fuel Handling and Storage
4.6.2 The storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas fuel shall be in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 505 and ANSI/NFPA 58.
_____
OSHA, Powered Industrial Trucks, 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 Gases (NFPA No. 58-1969), which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.
OSHA 1910.110, Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases.
_____
The ANSII/NFPA Standards are the Industry Standard. Your local LPG supplier should have copies of these codes.
Can't direct you to a specific document that says proper way to refill forklift propane tanks, but logic & safety says you are correct.
The logic part is that propane is heavier than air ands falls toward the ground. So if one is refilling the tank on board and LP escapes from an improper connection, a hot exhaust pipe (generally located below the tank) could possibly ignite it or the LP could migrate into the engine compartment where there are potential spark sources (open wires, alternators, etc.).
You will find that safety compliant companies that have an on site LPG refill area that is located inside of a locket fenced in area and the gate isn't wide enough to drive a forklift inside & the refill hose is long enough to reach outside. Most laws on LP are governed by state laws. For example, in Texas an LP storage tank for home heating, ceramic making, etc must be locate X number of feet away from the house, trailer, etc. In Georgia they can be located right next to the house/trailer (guess it's one away for to control the population growth)
The other advantage of removing the tank & filling on the ground is it good physical exercise helps maintain the six packs abs when you reinstall it.
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