Warehouses utilize forklifts daily to keep distribution networks operating efficiently — making forklift safety a top priority in the material handling industry.

When it comes to fueling the material handling markets, propane has a 90% market share of Class 4 and 5 forklifts.

Because of this, understanding proper propane safety practices should be a priority for crews across the country. With safety top of mind this June, below are tips for operators, floor workers, and truck drivers to stay safe around forklifts.

Universal Forklift Safety Tips

• Complete routine equipment checks before operating and notify management of damages or problems.

• Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, protective footwear, eyewear, and high-visibility clothing on the warehouse floor and while operating a forklift.

• Buckle up every time. Overturned forklifts are a leading cause of forklift-related accidents, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. This may seem obvious, but it’s an essential tip to remember.

• Move slowly and use the horn. Collisions could happen when vision is obstructed. Using the horn at every intersection will keep pedestrians and other operators safe.

• Know your forklift’s weight capacity and adhere to it. Exceeding the weight capacity of a forklift significantly increases the risk of tipping and injury.

• Lower, park, and set. Always lower the forks, use the parking brake, and set the controls to neutral when finished operating a forklift. Safely parking the machine reduces the risk of unintended movement and injury. Use wheel blocks to secure the forklift further, especially if parking on an incline.

• Mind the ramp. Drivers should always carry a load pointing up an incline with their heads pointed in the direction they are going. If unloaded, keep the forks pointed downgrade.

• Inspect forklift fleets regularly. Regular maintenance helps prevent unnecessary damage to the equipment and keeps employees safe.

• Keep forklifts clean and free from excess oil and grease 

Warehouses, factory floors, and distribution centers have many moving parts as well as people coming and going. Managers can enhance their operations’ safety with bright floor markings, mirrors around corners, and ample signage throughout the property that identifies refueling stations. Additionally, regular safety reminders will keep employees safe.

Forklift Energy Sources

There are three primary forklift energy sources — propane, diesel, and electric batteries — and each has a different set of considerations.

For example, diesel lifts can only be used outdoors due to dangerous exhaust emissions, whereas propane is safe indoors and out.

Both propane and electric lifts are safe to operate indoors, however, electric lifts require additional space considerations for recharging and battery maintenance, which can take up valuable space in the warehouse or distribution center.

Propane offers a quick, safe refueling process that does not require expensive infrastructure or charging equipment.

Refueling is as simple as swapping out an empty cylinder for a full one and getting back to work for crews operating propane forklifts.

Plus, well-maintained propane forklifts meet or exceed nationwide indoor air quality standards, which helps ensure operators’ safety.

Propane Forklift Safety Tips

Propane is one of the most common energy sources used to power forklifts. It’s important to note the following safety tips while operating with propane.

• Inspect cylinders before operation. Check cylinders for rusting, dents, gouges, and leaks. Cylinders showing signs of wear or leaks shouldn’t be used and may need replacing, even within the cylinder’s requalification date.

• Use proper lift techniques to place a cylinder onto a forklift and wear protective gloves. Carefully place the cylinder into the cradle, so the cylinder pin enters the locating hole in the cylinder collar. Once properly situated, secure the cylinder by tightening the brackets and check for leaks using a leak detection solution.

• Secure the pressure relief valve on the cylinder. Before connecting, confirm the cylinder valve is closed. Once placed in the cradle, operators should check that the pressure relief valve fitting is roughly 180 degrees from the forklift’s locating pin. 

• Firmly tighten the gas line to the service connection.

• Close the service valves on cylinders when not in use. This helps prevent potential injury around internal combustion engines and unintended fuel loss. 

• Store propane cylinders in a secure rack or cage. The cylinders should be stored horizontally with the pressure relief valves in the uppermost position, and operators should use proper lifting techniques when removing cylinders from storage and placing them onto a forklift. 

• Propane cylinder storage racks must be located at a safe distance from heat or ignition sources, protected from the elements, and kept away from stairwells and high-traffic areas.

With proper signage, training, and storage, propane is a safe energy source to power forklifts year-round, indoors and out.

Remember to regularly review safety measures with forklift operators and workers, not just on Forklift Safety Day, but every day.

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