logo-homepage.gif (6720 bytes) PROPANE SAFETY

PROPANE PROPERTIES AND GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
  • Propane is flammable.

  • Propane is heavier than air and can collect at floor level.

  • Propane is not toxic or corrosive, but it can cause frostbite and skin burns on contact.

  • Never smoke near propane cylinders.

  • Always wear safety goggles and gloves when handling propane cylinders.

  • Make sure propane cylinders are stored in a safe location away from warehouse traffic and any sources of ignition.
 

 

 

 

 
  • Up to 9 cylinders (33# each) may be stored together inside an industrial facility.

  • Avoid storing propane cylinders in direct sunlight or heat.

  • Visually inspect propane cylinders before use. If damage or leak is found do not use the cylinder.

  • Make sure damaged tanks are marked to prevent inadvertent use.

  • Do not start engines or operate your forklift near a leaking cylinder.

  • If you find a leaking cylinder place it in a well-ventilated open area and call Siegel Gas.

  • Propane containers should be seperated from Oxygen cylinders or other oxidizers.

  • Keep container valve closed or capped when not in use.


HOW TO CHANGE A FORKLIFT PROPANE CYLINDER
These procedures should always be followed when changing the propane cylinder:

  • Allow propane gas in the forklift’s fuel lines to run out by closing the service valve on the propane cylinder and running the engine until the lines are out of gas.

  • Turn off forklift and remove key.

  • Put on safety goggles and gloves.

  • Verify that the service valve on propane cylinder is closed.


  • Disconnect fuel line.

  • Open clamp on forklift and remove propane cylinder.

  • Place used propane cylinder in a designated area. Never store an empty tank [or ANY tank] upside down.

  • Visually inspect the full propane cylinder for damage or leaks.

  • Make sure o-rings are in their proper places.

  • Load the full propane cylinder on the equipment. Make sure the propane cylinder-centering pin enters the aligning hole in the propane cylinder collar.

  • Close the stabilizing clamp to hold the propane cylinder in place.

  • Connect the fuel line to the propane cylinder.

  • Slowly open the service valve on the propane cylinder.

  • Check for leaks with a non-corrosive leak detection solution.

  • If there are no leaks start the engine.


HOW TO FILL A PROPANE CYLINDER FROM A DISPENSER TANK
These procedures should always be followed when filling a propane cylinder from a dispenser tank:

  • Put on safety goggles and gloves.

  • Remove the propane cylinder from the forklift. NEVER FILL THE CYLINDER WHILE IT IS STILL ON THE FORKLIFT.

  • Visually inspect the propane cylinder for damage or leaks. Check the certification date of the cylinder. Cylinders should initially be recertified after 12 years and then every 5 years thereafter. If you have a cylinder that needs recertification call Siegel Gas.

  • Properly connect fill hose to fill valve on top of cylinder by hand.
    NEVER USE TOOLS TO TIGHTEN OR LOOSEN CONNECTIONS


  • Slowly open the valve at the end of the hose.

  • Open the fixed liquid level gauge (spit valve) on top of the cylinder.

  • When the cylinder reaches 80% of capacity the spit valve will begin “spitting” a white vapor (liquid propane.) Shut off the hose first and then close the spit valve. NEVER OVERFILL THE CYLINDER

  • Remove the hose and check the cylinder for leaks with a non-corrosive leak detection solution solution.

  • Make sure o-rings are in their proper places.

  • Load the full propane cylinder on the equipment. Make sure the propane cylinder-centering pin enters the aligning hole in the propane cylinder collar.

  • Close the stabilizing clamp to hold the propane cylinder in place.

  • Connect the fuel line to the propane cylinder.

  • Slowly open the service valve on the propane cylinder.

  • Check for leaks with a non-corrosive leak detection solution.

  • Shut off the electric pump [if applicable].