Rank: Forum user 
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Hi
Is LPG for forklift trucks under COSHH? Thank you
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Rank: Super forum user
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LPG has very limited COSHH implication on a forklift. The liquid/gas shouldn't be free to edcape/leak to give exposure to people in the area.
The exhaust fumes/gases do need to be considered, but unless the Flt is being used in a particular confined space, shouldn't be a problem as there should be sufficient natural ventilation to dilute exhaust gases.
You will need to consider the LPG from the fire safety point of view. LPG falls under the risk assessment requirements of DSEAR, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regs.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Keep the canisters in a marked, external, locked cage protected from vehicle traffic routes, and away from pedestrian fire exits etc. Include it in the site fire risk assessment. Your LPG supplier should be able to provide further guidance.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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You need instruction and training for all employees regarding the use of LPG on FLT which does come under COSHH We changed FLT providers and noted a marked increase of issues of unplanned gas releases and more frequent cylinder changes (despite not being empty) - root cause one employee who missed the supplier provided training was not aware of how to correctly position the cylinder (valve up versus previous valve down) and operate the quick connector (previously a valve spanner was required).
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Rank: Super forum user
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You need instruction and training for all employees regarding the use of LPG on FLT which does come under COSHH We changed FLT providers and noted a marked increase of issues of unplanned gas releases and more frequent cylinder changes (despite not being empty) - root cause one employee who missed the supplier provided training was not aware of how to correctly position the cylinder (valve up versus previous valve down) and operate the quick connector (previously a valve spanner was required).
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Rank: Super forum user
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This still isn't a COSHH issue.
The WEL limit for LPG is quite high. Can't remember without looking it up, but not really a realistic problem. Provided the ventilation is good no issue.
Even the fire risk is limited if ventilated ok etc
Hazards from simply the gas pressure are also not a COSHH issue.
For changing the gas bottle a simple safe system of work. No need to drag in extra stuff.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The very low temperature of the compressed gas is a physical hazard.
This particular employee ended up with a cold contact burn thanks to their lack of training, sodden with rain at the external storage cage in the middle of winter. It was only during the investigation of the incident was it realised they had been absent during the FLT fleet change over training.
EH40 - 1000 ppm 8hr TWA or 1250 ppm STEL for LPG (without buta-1,3-diene)
Last time I checked EH40 there was no WEL for water but immerse your face in 2" of the stuff and you soon realise it has serious asphyxiant properties.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The very low temperature of the compressed gas is a physical hazard.
This particular employee ended up with a cold contact burn thanks to their lack of training, sodden with rain at the external storage cage in the middle of winter. It was only during the investigation of the incident was it realised they had been absent during the FLT fleet change over training.
EH40 - 1000 ppm 8hr TWA or 1250 ppm STEL for LPG (without buta-1,3-diene)
Last time I checked EH40 there was no WEL for water but immerse your face in 2" of the stuff and you soon realise it has serious asphyxiant properties.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Temperature and pressure and associated physical hazards are still not a COSHH consideration. Yes they need to be considered as part of a general risk assessment. .
COSHH L5 ACOP Reg 5 (1)(b)
As for the 2" of water in the face/rain - COSHH really?
Training under COSHH for changing an Flt LPG bottle outside on a wet day. Don't think so..
Don't see your point of raising COSHH training for this task/situation. It is barely relevant.
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Rank: Super forum user
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It is also very important to change cylinders in a safe place. There is an anecdotal tale of one guy changing the cylinder next to a welding bay. Some gas leaked during this process, and being heavier than air gathered around the guy's legs, and was then ignited by sparks from the welding bay. Your risk assessment should also consider the behaviour of cylinders in a fire, when a BLEVE can occur and you can end up with flying cylinders.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Water was to raise the point that EH40 is not a definitive list of materials requring COSHH assessment When you look at broader publications such as GESTIS international exposure limit tables other nations consider the same substances more / less harmful and quite a few items ommited from EH40 appear as hazardous in other nations So if you aren't assessing the material how do you know the level of the carcinogen buta-1,3-diene is less than 0.1% ?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Water was to raise the point that EH40 is not a definitive list of materials requring COSHH assessment When you look at broader publications such as GESTIS international exposure limit tables other nations consider the same substances more / less harmful and quite a few items ommited from EH40 appear as hazardous in other nations So if you aren't assessing the material how do you know the level of the carcinogen buta-1,3-diene is less than 0.1% ?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Have a current SDS for the LPG.
Are you suggesting sampling the LPG and having lab analysis?
The LPG will be supplied to the required specification. What other sources of bottled LPG would you propose?
So changing an Flt LPG bottle gives a credible risk of exposure to a carcinogen?
Low volume of gas
Relatively infrequent task
Good ventilation if done outside
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Rank: Super forum user
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I think the point about water is that almost anything can be toxic if you have too much of it, even water (leaving aside the risk of drowning in it). EH40 will include substances that are toxic etc at low concentrations, but I'm sure you could come up with an indicative WEL for water if you were so inclined.
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