The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to anyone responsible for operating, supplying, maintaining or inspecting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered vehicles.

The warning comes after several cases of fires breaking out either on or around LPC forklift trucks and other similar vehicles when they were started up.

The HSE stated: “Deposits in vaporiser units, flow regulators and shut off valves cause the truck to fail to start, particularly from cold. Build-up of deposits can lead to sticking valves and the mixture supplied to the engine being too rich to be ignited.

“Repeated starting attempts can result in the release of unburned LPG, which in extreme cases can be ignited, setting fire to the vehicle and surrounding materials.”

Operators are advised to urgently review their safe systems of work in relation to the use of all LPG powered vehicles.

LPG vehicles should be parked in well ventilated areas, especially when parked up for long periods or overnight. The area must also be free of flammable materials.

If the vehicle does not start normally, operators must NOT continue to turn the engine over or carry on trying to start it. Instead, they should close the shut off valve to isolate the gas bottle and make sure no one else tries to start the vehicle. A competent maintenance engineer should then be called to carry out safety checks on the LPG system.

Precautions need to be taken when handling LPG, as it is very cold. A further danger is that LPG is heavy and can collect in low lying areas where it could easily be ignited by static, or electrical sparks for example.  

Service and maintenance engineers called out to starting problems must isolate the LPG supply and NOT attempt to start the vehicle normally. 

Make sure the area is well ventilated and disconnect the battery. Release the LPG pressure trapped in the fuel system and follow the manufactures guidance on inspecting the LPG system.

Diane Parker , joint head of personal injury at Switalskis, commented: “It’s essential that proper training and information is provided for all employees, regardless of duties carried out. It is also essential to ensure that risk assessments are carried out and all employees follow safe systems of work.”

The HSE has provided guidance About liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

If you have been injured in an accident at work, talk to us to see how we might be able to support you. Call 01302 320621 or email help@switalskis.com