Update on LPG Forklift Truck Fire Risks

Following on from the previous alert from the UK Material Handling Association the HSE have now also issued their own safety alert regarding the issue of LPG forklift fire risks.

The HSE outline the primary issue as being a build up of deposits in fuel systems, particularly related to the vaporiser units of LPG powered vehicles causing fires. The HSE reiterate that deposits in the vaporiser units, flow regulators and shut off valves cause trucks to fail to the start, particularly as a result of the cold. As a result when operators attempt to repeatedly start the engine there can be a risk of the unburned LPG being released with the potential for it to be ignited and cause a fire.

The HSE also repeat and expand on, the guidance provided by the UK Material Handling Association. The HSE’s safety alert includes:

Advice to operators:

Review safe systems of work for the use of LPG powered lift trucks
Provide information, instruction and training for all operators regarding the specific hazards related to the risk
Park LPG vehicles in well ventilated areas away from flammable material, especially when parked for longer periods of time.

Actions to be taken by operators when a truck does not start in the normal amount of time:

Do not repeat to crank the engine
Do not repeat the normal engine starting procedure
Do not spray volatile agents into the air intake to help in starting the vehicle
Get out of the truck and isolate the gas bottle by using the shut off valve
Prevent others from attempting to start the truck
Ensure the area is well ventilated
Get a competent maintenance engineer to check the LPG system, do not attempt this yourself

Advice to service and maintenance engineers: