Mar 14th, 2023
4 mins
Unfortunately, the industry has been receiving an increased number of reports of failure of LPG vaporisers in fork trucks due to clogging.
It seems this is due to a build-up of deposits in the LPG system which can lead to sticking valves and a mixture which is too rich for ignition within the engine.
Repeated starting attempts can lead to the release of a high unburned concentration of LPG which, in extreme cases, can present a risk of fire.
Our strong recommendation is that if the engine of an LPG powered truck does not start within the normal few seconds:
- Do NOT continue to crank the engine over
- Do NOT repeat the normal engine starting procedure
- Do NOT spray volatile agents into the air intake in an attempt to aid starting
- Close the shut-off valve on the gas bottle
- Secure the truck against further starting attempts
- Ensure the area is well ventilated
- Contact your truck supplier and request a check of the LPG system on your truck
We believe that the problem is with poor fuel quality, but we understand the HSE has launched a formal investigation which should be able to confirm the root cause.
The problem is not limited to a single truck manufacturer, but appears to be geographically limited to the UK.
We have also been made aware of some aftermarket suppliers of replacement hoses might not always be providing the correct LPG grade hoses. Plasticizer additives in incorrectly specified elastomer hoses, e.g. hydraulic hose, can be leached out of the hose through contact with the LPG, thus increasing the amount of contamination and leading to a failure mode difficult to distinguish from that associated with poor fuel quality. Whilst we don’t have any evidence that incorrectly specified hoses have played a part in any of the failure/incidents, it is essential that only LPG grade hoses are used in LPG systems and this can best be assured by use of original OEM parts.
It is important that such incidents are reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations places a clear obligation on the site to report explosion/fire which takes a piece of plant out of service for more than 24 hours under RIDDOR.
The UKMHA has released the following safety alert:
UKMHA Release LPG Safety Alert – The UK Material Handling Association
