The warehouse and manufacturing industries need to have a solid understanding of propane, including required safety measures surrounding its use and storage. Proper knowledge of propane is crucial to effectively and safely operating forklifts, generators, and other important equipment. At Zephyr, we are the industrial propane service provider that can help you understand the safety requirements thoroughly as they pertain to your applications.
Due to its flammable properties, propane is classified as a hazardous material by the OSHA. However, this fuel does not pose a serious danger when it is handled properly and in accordance with required safety standards. Any industrial and forklift propane service must adhere to prescribed safety guidelines to ensure the potential consequences of flammability never manifest.
Safety Guidelines for Using and Storing Propane
- Avoid storing cylinders near exits, stairways, or doorways
- Store cylinders that are not in use 20 feet or greater from other buildings in a locked and secured cage, or open-air storage unit with a protective roof
- Place storage away from high-traffic locations
- Cylinders for forklift applications may be stored horizontally or vertically. If they are stored horizontally, position the relief valve at 12 o’clock
- Inside industrial facilities, a maximum of 300 pounds of propane may be stored in cylinders
- Avoid storing propane cylinders near other combustible or flammable materials
- Close the valve of the cylinder when it is not in use to minimize the chance for a leak
- Use protective equipment, including eye protections and gloves, when disconnecting and connecting propane-cylinder hoses
- Know the location of fire extinguishers that are easily accessible from propane storage areas
- Keep track of the dates on the collar so you can be sure to exchange or replacing out-of-date cylinders
- Make sure the relief valve is in direct contact with vapor space in the container when you store cylinders
Industrial and wholesale propane suppliers must adhere to OSHA guidelines in order to help ensure the safety of human life, property, and equipment, any of which may be threatened due to improper handling of the propane. Following proper safety standards can help you maintain propane as a dependable, safe fuel source for your applications.
To learn more about propane services we offer, call our team at Zephyr today at 1-877-275-9374 for a free quote, or request a quote online.