Lift Truck Tank Safety
Amongst the most common kinds of lift trucks offered on the market these days is a propane-powered lift truck. The propane utilized to fuel these machines has several properties which must be taken into account when working with the fuel tank. Like for instance, it is really essential that all Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is worn each time an operator is on the equipment and in many areas, on the jobsite.
PPE
Because propane gas is really cold, any exposure to your skin, no matter how minor, could result in serious burns. Hence, it is a requirement that when you are exchanging the propane tank or completing a re-fueling process a full face shield or safety goggles and thick gloves should be worn for protection. Lots of workplaces need steel-toe boots to be worn as well when carrying heavy objects is part of your task. Each and every workplace has different rules set in place which pertain to the company's specific requirements. Your supervisor would inform you of what PPE objects must be worn prior to your first shift.
No Smoking
In the refueling area, there could be no open flames or any kind of smoking going on because of the high flammability factor. Propane gas is extremely flammable and it is imperative 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 an open valve, you will release the propane gas. Neglecting this factor could possibly lead to a very disastrous situation.
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher must be made accessible, when the tank is being changed out during the refueling process. The majority of businesses require that a fire extinguisher be mounted on every forklift. This is an essential safety regulation that needs to be made a priority within the workplace.
Secure the Tank
The majority of propane tanks use a restraining device such as a strap to keep them stable. Be sure that this security feature is properly working since it is being utilized for the vital task to stop the tank from falling or shifting. A faulty restraining situation could lead to the tank coming loose and falling or rolling around dangerous.