Forklift Trucks - Safe Handling of Propane (LPG) Fuel

LPG stands for Liquid Petroleum Gas.

• Before handling the cylinder, make sure the valve is properly closed.
• Handle the cylinder gently. Inspect the cylinder for damage before each use, and after it is dropped, dented, or impacted.
• Always protect the valve from damage.
• Avoid skin contact with liquid propane as it may cause frostbite.

• Wear the appropriate protective gloves while connecting or disconnecting a cylinder to equipment.
• Exchange removable cylinders outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, away from sources of ignition.
• Close the cylinder valve before disconnecting the cylinder from forklifts.
• Make sure that only qualified persons repair cylinders and forklift fuel systems.
• For repairs, use only components that agencies such as the CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association) have approved.

Procedure for changing propane (LPG) cylinders:

• Park the forklift in a low-traffic and well-ventilated area. Put forklift controls
  into the neutral position. Lower the forks to the ground and apply the
  parking brake.
• Wear eye protection and gloves such as leather or insulated neoprene.
• With the forklift engine running, dismount the forklift and close the valve on
  the cylinder.
• Run the engine until it is out of fuel, and it stops. This step ensures that the fuel supply hose is empty.
• Turn the ignition key to the off position.
• Disconnect the fuel supply hose from the cylinder.
• Undo the latch or straps that secure the cylinder to the forklift.
• Remove the empty cylinder using both hands (empty cylinders can be
  heavy).
• Inspect the replacement cylinder for damage. Do not use damaged
  cylinders. Tag them for repair and store them safely.
• Lift the replacement cylinder into position using a proper lifting technique. Adjust the cylinder until it is properly aligned with the positioning pin to ensure the pressure relief valve is orientated correctly.
• Secure the cylinder to the forklift.
• Connect the fuel supply hose to the cylinder. Do not use tools because the
  valve is designed to be tightened by hand.
• Open the valve on the cylinder slowly and check for leaks. A one to two-second hissing sound is normal and any longer indicates a leak. If available, use a soap and water solution or a leak detector.
  • Smell(for a rotten egg smell)
  • Listen (for gas escaping or hissing)
  • Look (for frost or bubbles if using a solution)
• If you detect a leak, close the valve and: 
  • Remove the hose, and check the valve and hose connections for dirt and debris. 
  • Reconnect the hose and check for leaks again. If the leak persists, try a fresh cylinder. 
  • Reconnect the hose and check for leaks again. If the leak persists, put the forklift out of service. 
  • Tag any defective cylinders, hoses, or components for repair by qualified persons. 
• If no leaks are detected, slowly open the valve fully. 
• Make sure the hose is not kinked, twisted, or unsafely sticking out from the forklift. 
• Start the engine and resume operation.

• Do not use damaged cylinders. Tag them for repair or disposal.
• Do not operate forklifts that appear to have incomplete or improper repairs to the fuel system.
• Do not use metal tools when changing a cylinder.
• Do not use excessive force when opening or closing the valve.
• Do not let the cylinder get too hot or be exposed to excessive heat.
• Do not drag, drop, roll or slide the cylinder or allow it to bang against other objects.
• Do not use matches or a flame to check for leaks. Use soap or a leak detector.
• Do not mount more LPG cylinders on the forklift than the truck was designed to hold.
• Do not smoke when handling the cylinder or in the storage area.

• Store the cylinder in an upright position and in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources and excessive temperatures, where it can be secured and is protected from being struck.
• Protect cylinders from tipping over or falling. Use a chain or adequate support system. Consider securing each cylinder separately to prevent other cylinders from falling.
• Do not store cylinders or park the forklift close to heat sources, doorways, aisles, elevators, stairways, and exits.