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Propane forklift safety isn’t only about ensuring an organization provides OSHA-compliant training to anyone who will operate such equipment. That’s a necessary tactic.
The strategy, however, is more nuanced and starts at the top of an organization — the C-suite. Propane forklift safety must exist within an organization’s demonstrated overall commitment to safety, and that comprises every aspect of work, from the back office to the warehouse floor.
An effective safety culture, which includes the buy-in of every employee, is the only way to ensure equipment like propane forklifts can be used effectively and without accident or injury.
Propane forklifts are an enormous asset to many types of businesses, from owners and operators of distribution centers to ports. Without these forklifts, products simply wouldn’t move, impacting the U.S. economy on a macro level.
Safety of People First Priority
As part of an organization’s established safety culture, propane forklift safety is crucial for many reasons, not the least of which is people. Keeping people out of harm’s way is not only the right thing to do, it’s just good business sense.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates in standard 1910.178 that anyone operating a forklift must undergo proper training.
That training should combine formal instruction, like a lecture or interactive computer learning; practical operational training; and evaluation.
Training consists of truck-related topics such as operating instructions, warnings and precautions; forklift controls and instrumentation, i.e., where they are located and what they do; visibility; and vehicle capacity and stability.
Training also should include work conditions; load manipulation, i.e., stacking and unstacking, navigating narrow aisles; ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect stability; and pedestrian traffic.
Propane Forklifts’ Unique Safety Needs
Possessing an internal combustion engine, propane forklifts have unique safety needs. For example, the pressure relief valve provides overpressure protection for the propane cylinder. It should be kept clean, unrestricted, set to the 12 o’clock position and directed upward at a 45-degree angle when the cylinder is mounted horizontally.
When a propane forklift isn’t in use, the service valve should be turned clockwise until it’s completely closed. The cylinders themselves should be stored in a padlock rack outside that protects them from the elements. A propane supplier is a great resource for this placement.
Changing a propane tank isn’t difficult, but like with any machinery, it should be completed with caution. For example, it’s important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), like wrap-around safety glasses and rubber gloves.
Tank exchange procedure is crucial. The first step is making sure the connection hose is empty, which can be done by running the forklift engine until it stops. After shutting off the engine, unscrew the fitting and remove the tank.
Inspecting the replacement tank is also very important. In addition to tank damage like dents or gouges, users should check the condition of the O-ring and hose.
From there, make sure the new tank valve is turned off when installing, and that the tank is positioned on the locating pin, allowing for easy hose connection.
Screwing in and hand-tightening the fitting is the step before slowly opening the valve, looking for leaks. Leak indicators are white frost, rushing noises or an odor. If that happens, shut off the tank valve and ventilate the area.
Common Sense and PERC Resources
Propane forklift safety often comes down to pure common sense. The seatbelt is designed to protect the operator in case the forklift tips over. OSHA directs operators to stop and set the brake before raising or lowering the forks. Maintaining a safe distance from the edge of ramps can prevent a tip-over.
And perhaps the most obvious direction is to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles. When parking, put the forklift in neutral and lower the forks to the floor.
When it comes to integrating propane forklift safety into an organizational safety culture, it’s important to have the right tools at hand. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has many forklift training resources in The Learning Center on its website.
See these eight forklift safety tips essential for safe operation.
