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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict rules for how you operate forklifts. To remain fully compliant, however, owners of liquid propane (LP) trucks must also follow OSHA standards related to propane tank storage. That requires employers to understand a whole separate group of regulations.
Regardless of your industry, however, the rules for handling the sorts of LP tanks that fuel lift trucks are buried in the broader rules for storing liquified petroleum gas. Searching through OSHA’s standards for a specific set of rules can be a time-consuming task.
For most LP forklift fleets in warehousing environments, however, employers can start their compliance efforts by understanding a single section of the 1910.110 standards: OSHA standard 1910.110(f) - Storage of containers awaiting use or resale.
Keep reading for a simple introduction to this OSHA rule about liquid propane tank storage. While what follows can help you comply with OSHA rules for propane tank storage, it is neither comprehensive nor intended as legal advice. For detailed advice, contact your nearest OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist.
The OSHA Standard on Liquid Propane Tank Storage for Forklifts
Most LP-powered lift trucks run on 33-pound propane cylinders. According to the first section of the 1910.110(f) standards, the storage rules apply to portable containers with water capacities below 1,000 pounds. In other words, this is almost certainly the standard that covers storage for your forklift fuel tanks.
Here are a few of the most important OSHA propane tank storage requirements for owners of LP forklift fleets.
Choose storage locations that reduce the risk of physical damage, high heat, or willful misuse (OSHA 1910.110[f][i]).
Store LP cylinders away from exits and stairways (OSHA 1910.110[f][2][ii]).
Only use LP cylinders that protect valves from damage due to drops or strikes. This protection may come from a recessed valve, a ventilated cap, or a collar. The protective feature must ensure valves cannot be damaged by force equal to that of a 30-pound weight dropped 4 feet (OSHA 1910.110[f][2][iii], OSHA 1910.110[f][2][iii][a], OSHA 1910.110[f][2][iii][b])
Keep cylinder outlet valves closed during storage (OSHA 1910[f][2][iv]).
Facilities that aren’t open to the public, such as most warehouses, must not contain more than 300 pounds of LP gas at a time — unless they’re in a building or room that meets additional requirements (OSHA 1910.110[f][4][i], OSHA 1910.110[f][5][i]).
Liquid propane containers must be protected against unauthorized access, usually by storing them in a “suitable enclosure.” (OSHA 1910.110[f][6][ii]).
Storage locations outside supply depots or propane sellers must have one or more portable fire extinguishers available at all times. This fire extinguisher must carry a minimum rating of 8-B, C (OSHA 1910.110[f][7]).
For the full OSHA 1910.110(f) standards, see OSHA’s listing. Once you’re familiar with the OSHA propane tank storage requirements, however, you’re still left with an important question: What equipment do you need to maintain compliance?
What to Look For in LP Tank Cages and Storage Cabinets
These LP storage cabinets qualify as “suitable enclosures” per OSHA 1910.110[f][6][ii]. They're propane storage cages that meet the requirements of OSHA 1910.110[f][i], by protecting stored cylinders from physical damage and tampering.
These gas cylinder cages, steel cabinets, and other propane handling equipment from Solus Group are all made in the USA. Gas cylinder lockers feature lockable doors, pre-drilled holes for mounting, steel mesh sides, and compliance with all relevant fire codes and safety regulations.
When it comes to propane tank storage, OSHA makes their requirements quite clear. Propane cylinder handling equipment from Solus Group can help you meet these requirements, improving safety and compliance at your facility to a remarkably quick ROI.
Propane tank handling equipment from Solus Group is packed with safety features, and can help with indoor storage or outdoor locations.
Of course, propane tank storage safety goes way beyond the OSHA 1910 standards. Solus Group solutions can also assist in compliance with standards from the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, and other NFPA regulations and ASME codes related to LP gas containers.
