The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will offer a pilot forklift maintenance and training program for companies operating class four and five large spark ignition propane forklifts.

Offered in partnership with the Propane Vehicle Council, the program is designed to train attendees in proper procedures for maintaining and repairing propane-powered forklift fuel systems, with an emphasis on pre-2002 open-loop models.

The curriculum includes safety, maintenance and monitoring of fuel systems and tailpipe emissions, and an introduction to US EPA and California Air Resources Board emissions regulations.

PERC president Roy Willis said the program would first be offered in California, Illinois and Texas. Forklift users had indicated a demand for that kind of training, he said.

"The program satisfies that interest, and gives users the skills they need to effectively maintain and test their equipment to ensure compliance with emissions standards, deliver improved performance and obtain maximum fuel economy."