Safe Operating Propane Forklifts
How the machinery keeps you out of harms way
Forklifts and forklift propane are a vital and imperative part of many commercial businesses. And for any businesses that require the use of forklifts, safely operating these forklifts is equally as important. So let’s take a look at some facts that can hopefully give you the reassurance you need to feel like you are safe while operating your propane forklift.
Propane is already safe
The good news is that using propane is naturally pretty safe. Here’s why:
- There are certain regulations and codes for using propane put it place by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). There are also multiple state and local fire and safety laws. On top of that, propane professionals go through very specific training before they qualify to provide propane services.
- Propane leaks are easy to detect thanks to the fact that they smell like rotten egg. Smelling this odor is like a warning sign to anyone who detects it and signals that an area should be evacuated immediately.
- Propane has the lowest flammability range out of all the alternative fuels currently available. It won’t ignite until the temperature of the air reaches 940 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When propane does leak, the fuel actually vaporizes into the air. Therefore, there is no mess that is left behind. Plus, since propane is non-toxic, a leak is not harmful to surrounding soil, plants or water.
What makes forklift propane safe
When it comes to operating propane forklifts, here are a few additional facts that can hopefully help you rest assured that you are staying out of harms way:
- Propane cylinders that are used to power propane forklifts that have capacities between four and forty pounds are made with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD). This device pauses the cylinder filling process once the cylinder hits a capacity of 80%. Therefore, the propane inside the cylinder has the room that it needs to expand, which it inevitably will as it heats up.
- Propane cylinders are also made with a pressure relief valve that automatically opens in the event excess internal pressure needs to be released.
- Since propane is non-toxic, it is safe to use indoors, which makes forklift propane an ideal choice for warehouses and factories that need forklifts in order to operate and function properly.
On top of all the above safety facts, propane also gives your forklifts more power, helps your business work more efficiently and productively and is an incredibly cost effective choice.
Commercial propane services from Allied Propane
If your Northern California business needs commercial propane, Allied Propane can help! We offer bulk propane deliveries as well as a cylinder exchange program, which is the safest and most efficient way to keep your propane-powered forklifts up and running.
With our forklift propane cylinder exchange program our customers receive:
- Installation of on-site cages for cylinder storage
- Inspections of your cylinders for leaks and to check that they are up to date and meeting all safety requirements
- Flexible service agreements and contracts
- Delivery schedules that work for you and your business
Allied Propane can help keep your forklifts up and running. Contact us today to let us know how we can help with your commercial propane needs.