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LPG Forklift Truck - Gas detection / Confined Space
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stephen87  
#1 Posted : 16 June 2016 17:11:04(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
stephen87
In relation to operating an LPG Forklift Truck to load and unload Lorry containers. Is it best practice to use a gas detector (CO, O2) while entering a lorry container with open doors on a LPG powered forklift truck? The operation takes approximatly 30 minutes per container with the driver constantly accessing and egressing from the container. Is a lorry container deemed as a confined space once a combustible engine is in operation within the unit? All opionions on the topic welcome.
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gerrysharpe  
#2 Posted : 16 June 2016 18:51:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
gerrysharpe
It would be better Practice to use an electric forktruck in the Containers. Not sure of the amount of emissions a Gas fork truck expels but i'm thinking Perhaps some form of Extraction to prevent a build up of gasses within the Container, and certainly a Crowcon Type Gas detector. But the best bet would be to eliminate the Hazard as much as you can, Perhaps invest in an electric Forktruck ??
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Ian Bell2  
#3 Posted : 16 June 2016 22:03:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2
It may take 30minutes to unload/load but out of those 30minutes how long is the FLT actually inside the back of the lorry? What is the natural ventilation like? Is the lorry otherwise outside? While the ventilation is restricted there will be some ventilation. The natural movement of the FLT will create some air turbulence which will help disperse any LPG leaks, even if there are any small leaks. Are they are credible/significant sources of ignition in the back of the lorry/inside of the container? As ever provided the FLTs are subject to regular maintenance and inspection then the risks are probably very minimal and no further action is required. This experience comes from undertaking many DSEAR assessments including mathematical modelling of small (pin prick leaks/loose pipe connections) gas leaks from flexible pipes. The gas pressure in an LPG bottle isn't that great to generate a large gas cloud.
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stephen87  
#4 Posted : 17 June 2016 15:18:22(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
stephen87
I'd estimate the Forklift Truck to be inside the container for approximately 15 minutes (20 minutes max). The Lorry is backed up into the building from a loading dock. The outside ventilation is sealed once engaged with the dock-leveler. The building directly inside this area in which the Forklift truck unloads is an airlock area. The concern raised is that Carbon Monoxide may build up inside the trailer unit while carrying out this task. In terms of LPG leakage, this should not present an issue as the Forklift truck is regularly maintained. Yes an electric forklift truck would be the best option, however for the moment we only have a Gas Forklift Truck.
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douglas.dick  
#5 Posted : 20 June 2016 13:37:04(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
douglas.dick
stephen87 wrote:
I'd estimate the Forklift Truck to be inside the container for approximately 15 minutes (20 minutes max). The Lorry is backed up into the building from a loading dock. The outside ventilation is sealed once engaged with the dock-leveler. The building directly inside this area in which the Forklift truck unloads is an airlock area. The concern raised is that Carbon Monoxide may build up inside the trailer unit while carrying out this task. In terms of LPG leakage, this should not present an issue as the Forklift truck is regularly maintained. Yes an electric forklift truck would be the best option, however for the moment we only have a Gas Forklift Truck.
Sounds to me like the use of an LPG FLT in the area you describe as an 'airlock' is hazardous regardless of unloading containers or not. These should only be used in well ventilated areas.
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descarte8  
#6 Posted : 20 June 2016 13:47:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
descarte8
Measure it and see, over the course of a day in the airlock area on a day when you have the most FLTs operating, measure inside the lorry (before and then after the FLT has been inside - taking in to account your own safety from the FLT) and again at the end when the lorry is completely loaded / unloaded. As above the act of loading & unloading is likely generating a lot of the ventilation you require, in some instances displsacing I would guess more than 75% of the internal volume? Just dont measure the exhaust emmissions directly, obviously they would be high... Be worth measuring both CO and CO2. As a side note, given the carcinogenic classification of diesel exhuast emmission / particulates, you have a general responsibility under CAD to control as far as possible, so the future replacement with electrical would likely be a consideration regardless?
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stephen87  
#7 Posted : 29 June 2016 16:34:23(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
stephen87
I can gladly confirm that this issue is no longer relevant as we have purchased an electric Forklift Truck. Thanks everyone for all the advice and guidance on the topic.
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