The most common fuel for internal combustion (IC) forklifts is propane. It is a great fuel, but can kill, maim or burn if not handled properly.

Operators handling propane know it's cold, but many don't know it can "cold burn" the skin, causing the same symptoms as a heat injury. When dealing with liquid propane it must be given the same respect as boiling water, on top of the fact that it's flammable.

I know one operator in upper New York who adapted a forklift cylinder to fit a barbecue and subsequently blew the wall off his apartment building and caused serious personal injury.

Test yourself:

1. Do you know which part of the LPG (propane) (C3H8) cylinder is the bottom?
2. Do you know why having the cylinder in the correct position could mean the difference between life and death?
3. Do you know how much to open the service valve and why?
4. Do you know the colour of liquid propane?
5. Do you know why a white fog is produced when liquid propane comes in contact with the atmosphere (from the fixed liquid level gauge or service valve)?
6. Do you know why cloth gloves should not be used when handling LPG?

If you need answers to these questions, send me an email.

Propane's a great fuel, but the "genie must be kept in the bottle".

Save money. Be safe.

Wayne Chornohus is a forklift consultant with Hunter Industries Ltd. He brings more than 20 years' experience in the forklift and training industries to the Forkliftaction.com community.