Safety Alert: HSE safety notice – LPG forklift truck fire risk
The UK Health & Safety Executive has issued a safety notice after becoming aware of a number of fires on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered forklift trucks (FLT) and other similar vehicles that have occurred during starting.
The build-up of deposits in fuel systems, in particular, the vaporiser units of LPG powered vehicles has led to a number of fires.
Operators should:
- Review safe system of work in relation to the use of all LPG powered lift trucks and similar vehicles
- Provide information, instruction and training for all operators about the hazards raised in the alert
- Park LPG vehicles in well ventilated areas free from flammable material, particularly when parking overnight or for longer periods
View the safety notice for full details https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/forklift-fires.htm
In port operations where the FLT is fuelled from a bulk tank consideration must be given to the regular draining of the distillate, a liquid tar like substance which is present in LPG. Engage with your bottle supplier to ensure the exchange bottles are drained of concentrate. Ensure servicing and maintenance teams are aware of the systems additional fittings, some LPG vehicles are fitted with a pressure release valve in the inlet manifold.
For the full details, click here
ICHCA International is committed to helping industry to learn lessons fast, learn them once and make sure that they stay learnt. This information is intended to provide all organisations in the cargo supply chain with the opportunity to consider the events and to review and adapt their own health and safety control measures to proactively prevent future incidents.
We are grateful to PSS and HSE for providing details. We acknowledge their commitment to sharing learning to benefit others. If you have similar operations, please share this information with managers, operatives and any potentially affected third parties as appropriate. Please also review any of your relevant operations for similar hazardous conditions, risks, and controls. Learning content like this is highly valuable as it is based on real-world experience. We encourage everyone with publishable information about incidents to send it to us, so that we can raise awareness across the whole industry. Please contact us at secretariat@ichca.com; sharing your insight could save a life or prevent injury.