Forklift Tank Safety
Amongst the most popular kinds of forklifts available on the market these days is a propane-powered forklift. The propane used to fuel these equipment has several properties which must be taken into consideration when working with the fuel tank. For example, it is essential that all Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is worn every time an operator is on the machine and in numerous areas, on the jobsite.
PPE
As propane gas is very cold, any contact to your skin, no matter how minor, can create serious burns. Hence, it is required that whenever you are exchanging the propane tank or completing a re-fueling process a full face shield or safety goggles and thick gloves have to be worn for protection. Many workplaces require steel-toe boots to be worn too when carrying heavy objects is part of your job. Each workplace has various regulations set in place which pertain to the particular requirements of the business. The supervisor will inform you of what kinds of PPE items should be worn before your first shift.
No Smoking
In the refueling zone, there can be no open fire or any kind of smoking going on due to the high flammability factor. Propane gas is highly flammable and it is very vital that it is never exposed to any kind of ignition source or an extremely dangerous exploding situation would unfold.
Inspect the Valve
Make sure that the valve on the new tank is turned off prior to connecting the fuel line when exchanging the fuel tank. If you accidentally insert the fuel line into a valve that is open, propane gas will be released. Overlooking this factor could possibly create a very catastrophic situation.
Fire Extinguisher
Whenever the tank is being changed out or during the re-fueling process, a fire extinguisher should be made accessible. Nearly all businesses require that a fire extinguisher be mounted on each forklift. This is an important safety regulation that should be made a priority in the workplace.
Secure the Tank
The majority of propane tanks use a restraining device like a strap to keep them stable. Be sure that this security feature is functioning well as it is being utilized for the vital task to stop the tank from shifting or falling. A faulty restraining condition could lead to the tank falling or coming loose or rolling around dangerous.