Danny Maron, owner/trainer of Ideal Forklift Training in Canada's national capital, is an independent consultant, providing the education lift truck operators require, to businesses and government, to minimise the chance of incidents in the workplace. Before founding Ideal in 2000, Danny was a trainer at Canada's largest forklift dealer.
For those who do not know, C3H8 is the chemical make-up of propane. Three parts carbon and eight parts hydrogen. Propane is one of four major fuel sources that propel forklifts. They are gas/petrol (diminishing); diesel (still popular); battery or in other words, electric, (very popular); and propane (very popular, as well).
The law in many countries states that a competent forklift operator must know and understand how to refuel or recharge their forklift. Therefore, part of becoming a competent forklift operator on propane powered forklifts includes propane training. And, therefore, one must be trained in the safe and proper handling of these propane cylinders. The actual competency is based upon the proper removal and installation of such cylinders; however, understanding the characteristics of propane is all part of the package. Simply understanding the proper means to remove and install the cylinder is not good enough - as it is not good enough to learn how to pilot a plane and not know anything about weather conditions and how they affect the flight.
I have come to the realisation that there are training firms that simply do not cover propane in their courses, train-the-trainer (TTT) or otherwise, and if they do, it is merely some sugarcoating. Not only do they discuss it briefly, if at all, they do not do any written testing, practical testing, and do not even issue 'certification' upon completion of the course for propane. And if they do, they are not performing their tasks properly.
How does one deem someone competent to operate a forklift when propane is merely passed over or avoided entirely? Again, a competent operator knows and understands how to refuel/recharge their forklift. If one does not test, or even go into detail on all aspects of propane in great detail, then how do they deem their students competent to operate an internal combustion propane forklift?
It does not make sense to me, but after 13 years doing what I do, nothing surprises me any more. Once again, it is taking the money and not fulfilling the duty.
Is it because it is time-consuming? Is it because hauling around a 33 lb. cylinder is a pain? Or is it because the instructors know nothing about propane? Whatever the reason, this is not supposed to be the way it is!
I will relate two examples of what I have found, just two of many, to reinforce my findings.
Example A: A student attends a forklift course where they train on all seven classes of forklifts in one day. End of story? You would think so. However, even if propane was discussed, only one test on all seven classes of forklift was written. Hard to believe, but again, nothing surprises me.
Example B: A very, very dear client decided that they wanted to go the TTT route. Sadly, I will not be in there training anymore, but you have read my comments already regarding that issue. I did receive a call from my client for me to come in and train the local trainer on propane because the TTT program omitted propane in their discussions and training. If an operator must know and understand the safe and proper handling of the propane cylinders, shouldn't the trainer be deemed competent as an in-trainer and have been instructed on this subject as well? After all, it is the same instructor who would be instructing their staff and assessing them on their competency on the forklift, which must include propane.
I was omitted from the forklift TTT only because my client was unaware that I provide such a service. However, I was called in to spend some time covering the materials (propane TTT) that should have been covered in the forklift TTT. And yes, I did bring in the 33 lb training cylinder, and yes, the participant was required to write three tests, and yes, the participant was also required to demonstrate to me that they can present the materials in a professional and competent manner, and yes, I did spend almost an entire day at their office.
That is the way it is supposed to be done. That is the way it has to be done.
Don't choke when it comes to propane instruction! If you do not know anything about propane, or very little, and you are in a hurry to complete the propane-powered forklift course before day's end, maybe it's time you rethink what you do for a living. And for the businesses out there seeking training, do not always ask "How Much" as your first question! It could be extremely costly for your staff, and your business!
This is one nasty scent you will remember for a long time to come!