Forktruck LP Gas

Safety
Objectives
 Review OSHA’s regulations.
 Outline the hazards of Liquefied

Petroleum gas.
 Understand the proper method of

changing an LP tank and safety

precautions to follow.
 Powered Industrial Trucks
29 CFR 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 Gasses.” (NFPA No. 58-
1969)
Hazards Associated With
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
 Flammable gas - Fire and
Explosion.

 Cryogenic liquid – Very cold –

possible freezer burns/frostbite to
skin.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LP) /Propane
 A derivative of natural gas.
 Heavier than air. Stays near the
ground.
 Flammable in nature. (Flashpoint of
-1560F)
 Explosive mixture at 2.15 – 9.60% by
volume of air.
 Odorless by nature. (Odor is added
during processing to enable detection of
leaks.)
 Fire Precautions When
Working With LP tanks
 Do not smoke in or around LP tanks or
tank filling operations/areas.
 No open flames, sparks or electric arcs
near LP tanks or tank filling areas. Fill LP
Tanks in a well ventilated area to prevent
the build up of LP gas vapors.
 Do not strike the sides of LP tanks with
any spark producing item.
 Keep tools and other metallic objects
away from LP tanks.
 Have a charged ABC dry chemical fire
extinguisher in filling areas.
 LP Gas Safety
PPE Requirements Hazards
 Under pressure
 Safety Glasses.  Flammable in gas
 Rubber or Leather form.
Gloves.
 Contact with
liquid causes
burns similar to
frostbite.
 Irritating to eyes.
 Colorless vapor
 Procedures to safely
change an LP Tank
Wear safety glasses and rubber or
leather gloves
Removing an LP tank
1.) Close the valve on the tank.
2.) Loosen the hose from the tank slowly,
allowing pressure to bleed off.
3.) Release securing clamp on tank.
4.) Remove the tank from the fork truck,
ensuring it does not strike anything.
 Procedures to safely
change an LP Tank (cont.)
Wear safety glasses and rubber or
leather gloves
Re–installing an LP Tank
5. Lift the tank onto the forktruck, ensuring it
does not strike anything.
6. Secure the tank to the truck.
7. Check the fuel line hose connection to
ensure the rubber O-Ring is present, in
good condition and properly seated.
8. Connect fuel line hose to LP tank.
9. Open valve slowly, listening/smelling for
Special Procedures
If a hose is leaking, turn off tank
valve, slowly unscrew the hose line
to bleed off pressure and then
disconnect. Check the condition of
the O-Ring as before. Re-connect
fuel line hose to LP Tank and open
valve slowly.

If leaking continues, shut off the tank

valve, disconnect the fuel hose line
and notify automotive.
LP Fuel Tank Safety

Know the Hazards

Use the required PPE
No Open Flame