Over the past few years, I have heard of far too many preventable accidents involving forklift cylinders, some of which tragically involving fatalities. Below, I am sharing what should be some standard Safety tips on filling forklift cylinders. If we follow these simple actions, we can minimize the preventable accidents and injuries that occur in the field all too often.
- Always follow your company’s policies & procedures with regard to filling forklift cylinders
- Forklift cylinders should always be filled or exchanged by trained personnel
III. Wear proper PPE including gloves & eye protection
- Inspect, Inspect, Inspect
- Inspect cylinder for leaks, corrosion, denting, bulging, fire damage, or evidence of rough handling to the extent the cylinder is likely to be weakened to the point of condemnation. DO NOT forget the bottom of the cylinder when completing this inspection.
- Inspect cylinders for retest dates. Each cylinder must be requalified for continued use 12 years from the date of manufacture. External visual inspections are good for five years.
iii. Inspect the valves, valve protection, and foot ring.
- Inspect the pressure relief valve and date, the 45° adapter, and the weather cap. A new pressure relief valve must be installed within 12 years from the date of manufacture and every ten years thereafter.
- If the cylinder fails any part of your inspections, DO NOT fill it! Red-tag it and follow your company’s procedures.
- Make sure that the cylinders are properly stored in a location that meets NFPA 58 code requirements. Do not store cylinders in areas of excessive heat or near sources of ignition
- Store cylinders with their service valves closed and the relief valve positioned so that it is in direct communication with the vapor space of the cylinder.
This list is, of course, not all-inclusive, but can be used a simple guide and reminder to operate Safely. While we are all here to make a few dollars, it is most important that everyone makes it home to their loved ones everyday.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
At the Fall SEPA meeting this year, the Safety & Education Committee met as usual, but one of the topics struck a chord with me. We discussed Safety culture in today’s business environment. We are a society driven by technology and have access to so many metrics, it can sometimes take away from other important aspects of the business. When I got back to the office, I designed the decal to the right to serve as a final reminder before the Delivery Driver takes their hose to the tank to be SAFE. It is designed to be applied to the inside of the meter box door, the outside of the meter box, on the deck, or on the back of the barrel. Introductory price on this decal is $6.44 each
EMAIL DARREN: DMCARDLE@GARDNERMARSH.COM
