Forklift Tank Safety
Amongst the most popular kinds of lift trucks on the market is a propane-powered unit. The propane is used to fuel these machinery and it has some properties that have to be considered when working with the fuel tank. It is very vital that PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is worn all the time to be safe.
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE
Propane is a very cold gas. It is too cold to touch because skin contact can lead to severe burns. Whenever you are exchanging the propane tank or re-fueling, be sure to put on a full face shield or goggles and thick gloves. PPE is a requirement to be used on site in order to keep the driver as safe as possible. PPE is a standard workplace requirement for most businesses using this machinery and if the operator does not have the right items on, like a hardhat, safety goggles, steel-toe boots and so on than he or she may be prohibited from utilizing the machinery.
Check the Valve
If you are in the process of exchanging the tank, be certain that the valve on the new tank is definitely turned off prior to connecting the fuel line. This is really important because when you are inserting the fuel line into an open valve, you will release the propane gas. This situation could lead to a potentially hazardous situation.
Fire Extinguisher
Another vital safety procedure to have implemented is to have a fire extinguisher nearby when the tank is being changed or fuel is being added. Nearly all companies have fire extinguishers situated near the refueling station. It is better to have one close by and not require it, than to need one and not have one nearby. Nearly all safety rules need this is set up on site too.
Secure the Tank
Nearly all propane tanks have either a restraining device or a strap to secure the tank to the machinery. Be sure that this device is correctly working and correctly utilized so that you could prevent the tank from shifting or falling, since this could also result in a hazardous condition.