Forklift Truck Safety

FLT GAS SAFETY INFORMATION

Always read and observe appliance manufacturer and our instructions

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Extremely flammable liquefied gas that readily forms explosive air vapour mixtures

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:

  • Eye contact with product or gas under pressure can cause cold burn
  • Inhalation may cause irritation to nose and/or throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and/or euphoria (In poorly ventilated or confined spaces, unconsciousness and asphyxiation may result)
  • Skin contact with product can cause frostbite (cold burns)

FIRST AID:

  • Eyes – immediately wash eyes with plenty of cold water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention
  • Skin & cold burns – immerse skin in tepid water until circulation returns
  • Inhalation – immediately remove patient from contaminated area. Keep warm. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. Seek medical help
  • FIREFIGHTING:

    DO NOT use water or foam to extinguish fires - vacate the area and call the Fire Brigade.

    Small fires can be attacked with dry powder fire extinguishers. If it is safe to do so, close container valve and allow fire to burn out. Beware of vapour accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Explosive vapours may travel and be ignited at remote locations and flash back

    ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES:

    Evacuate the area, except for personnel dealing with the emergency. Extinguish or isolate power from sources of ignition. Ventilate area. Isolate gas supply to the point of leakage, if safe to do so. Cover drains and sewers etc. Inform authorities if major spillage occurs

    HANDLING AND STORAGE:

    • Handling – Cylinders containing propane are designed to give liquid or vapour off-take. Vapour off-take must be used in the vertical position. Liquid off-take must be used in the position indicated on the cylinderA face shield and impervious rubber gloves should be worn when transferring this product as a liquidThe risk of inhaling high concentrations of vapour should be avoided by provision of suitable ventilation
    • Storage – The product must be stored in purpose designed mild steel cylinder(s) or tank(s) or other systems of suitable pressure rating. These should be segregated from oxidant gases and other oxidants in storePipework and handling equipment should be designed for the purpose and be electrically bonded and grounded (earthed) to prevent accumulation of static chargeReference should be made to the relevant Codes of Practice for Safe Storage and Handling of LPG produced by HSE and LPGA (See Section 13)

    EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION:

    The following occupational exposure standards have been approved by the Health & Safety Commission on EH40 and are relevant to this product:

    Long-term Exposure Limit (ppm) (8hr TWA) Short-term Exposure Limit (ppm) (15 min period)
    Liquefied Petroleum Gas * 1000 1250

    * Pure propane may be regarded as a simple asphyxiant

    Ventilation – use the product in a well-ventilated place. Use local ventilation to control exposure of the product to below the recommended limits

    Respiratory Protection – should be used if there is a risk of high vapour concentration

    Hand Protection – use rubber gloves if in contact with liquid

    Eye Protection – use chemical goggles or face shield when handling the product in liquid form

    Skin Protection – wear safety boots or shoes when handling cylinders. Wear protective overalls with long sleeves to cover exposed skin

    PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

    Appearance

    Odour

    Boiling Point

    Flash Point

    Flammability Limits

    Autoflammability

    Vapour Pressure

    Specific Gravity of Liquid

    Specific Gravity of Vapour

    Solubility in Water

    Colourless liquefied gas

    Odourless odorant added to provide a distinctive smell

    -42°C

    -104°C (PMCC)

    2% to 11% in air

    460-580°C

    7.5 bar at 15°C

    0.512 at 15°C

    1.5 at 15°C (Air = 1.0)

    Insoluble

    STABILITY AND REACTIVITY:

    • Stability – can form explosive mixture with air
    • Incompatibility – propane reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents, peroxide, plastics, chlorine dioxide and concentrated nitric acid
    • Hazardous Decomposition
    • Products – normally carbon dioxide (carbon monoxide if deficiency in oxygen supply

    DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:

    Do not discharge product into areas where there is a risk of forming an explosive mixture with air. Cylinders are the property of Premier Autogas Limited and are returned to us. Emptying of tanks is the responsibility of Premier Autogas Limited

    TRANSPORT INFORMATION:

    Classifications for transportation are:

    REGULATORY INFORMATION:

    UN Number

    Class

    Classification for Carriage

    Hazchem Code

    ADR/RID

    LATA/ICAO

    1978

    2(3) hydrocarbon gasses, liquefied

    Flammable gas

    2YE

    Class 2 liquefied gas (2, 3b)

    Class 2

    Product LabelF+ Extremely flammableRisk Phrases

    R13 Extremely flammable liquefied gas

    S16 Keep away from sources of ignition – No Smoking

    S33 Take precautionary measures against static

    S9 Keep container in a well-ventilated place

    References

    The Chemicals (Hazard Information & Packaging for Supply)

    Regulations 1994 SI No 3247 + Amendment 1996/(1092)

    The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 SI No 3246 + Amendment 1996/3138, 1997/11

    The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

    FURTHER INFORMATION:

    The user of this product is advised of the following relevant information:

    • Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regulations 1976 SI No 2003
    • Notification of Installation Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982 SI No 1357
    • The Storage of LPG at Fixed Installations (UKLPG Code of Practice No.1 Part 1)
    • The Keeping of LPG in Cylinders and Similar Containers (UKLPG Code of Practice No.7)

    The above publications can be obtained from:

    • HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6PS Tel: 01787 881165
    • UKLPG, Camden House, Warwick Rd, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1THTel: 01425 461612

    The information in this document is believed to represent good practices at the time of publication, however no responsibility or liability is accepted by Premier Autogas Limited for any loss or damage arising out of the information given. It is vital that all persons concerned with the use of this product adhere to all legal requirements, regulations, COP’s and standards, particularly those relating to health, safety and environmental measures.