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Propane tanks are typically reusable, and can be
refilled indefinitely unless they are damaged. However, a law passed
in 1998, regulating propane tanks, contains several requirements
just coming into effect this year that may lead to mass disposal of
propane tanks.
The LP-Gas Code (NFPA 58-1998 edition)
requires that all new DOT cylinders manufactured after September
1998 be equipped with an overfill prevention device (OPD). Existing
cylinders must be retrofitted if they are out of qualification date;
and no cylinder can be filled after April 1, 2002, without an
OPD.
Here are some important highlights of this law:
*
Section 2-3.1.5, NFPA 58, requires overfill prevention devices
(OPDs) on cylinders 4 lbs. through 40 lbs. propane capacity for
vapor service.
* As of July 1, 1999, all cylinders that are out
of qualification date (i.e., any tank that is more than 12 years old
is out of qualification date and needs to be recertified before it
can continue to be used) must be retrofitted with an OPD before they
may be filled.
* All cylinders used in industrial truck
applications, including forklifts, cylinders for industrial welding
or cutting gases, and floor maintenance machines, are specifically
exempt from this requirement.
* Cylinders fabricated after
September 30, 1998, must be equipped with a listed OPD and a fixed
maximum liquid level gauge, and the device shall be part of the
container assembly.
* After April 1, 2002, no cylinder may be
filled unless it is equipped with a listed OPD (except those
cylinders used in industrial truck applications, including
forklifts, cylinders for industrial welding or maintenance machines,
or similar applications as noted by exemption in the
code.
Cylinders equipped with the OPD are
identifiable by the different hand wheel configuration. Older
cylinders are equipped with the common round hand wheel
configuration, while the newer OPD valves have a triangular-shaped
configuration. Old-style hand wheels may be different from
manufacturer to manufacturer. The new OPD hand wheels will be
uniform and will bear the OPD stamp.
OSHA ENACTS ENHANCED OPERATOR TRAINING
REGULATION
The following press
release was issued by the Industrial Truck Association to its
members. OSHA ENACTS ENHANCED OPERATOR TRAINING REGULATION 1
December 1998 (Washington, DC) Acting on behalf of the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor,
Assistant Secretary Charles N. Jeffress today signed a regulation
clarifying and defining the requirements for training operators of
powered industrial trucks. The regulation expands on 29 CFR 1910.178
which outlines the obligations of employers whose workers operate
forklifts and other workplace vehicles. The goal of the new
regulation is to give employers the necessary information to ensure
that their employees are properly trained in operating these
vehicles. Government studies have shown that training reduces the
incidence of accidents, in turn reducing the number of deaths and
injuries suffered by operators and their fellow workers. Under the
prior OSHA regulation, employers were left to their own devices to
determine the scope of their training programs. This approach
resulted in disputes between OSHA inspectors and employers and a
realization that further refinements were needed. Under the new
regulation OSHA requires all employers to conduct a triannual
evaluation of operators. If an unsafe operation is observed at any
time, operators will be cited and training implemented. Employers
are required to keep records of their training programs. All new
employees must be trained within 90 days of hiring, while employers
will have one year to train current employees. Under the OSH act,
employers will be responsible for training although they may
delegate the actual training to outside contractors. According to
Larry Borre (Barrett/ Divi si on of Nissan Forklift of North
America), President of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), the
organization representing the manufacturers of industrial trucks and
their suppliers, "Dealers, independent trainers, and manufacturers
all anticipate a rush for compliance with the new regulation.
Because of their unique position in the distribution process,
dealers will undoubtedly be asked to shoulder most of the burden for
training". William J. Montwieler, Executive Director of ITA,
observed: "The issuance of this regulation draws to a successful
conclusion Phase One of our effort to be certain that only qualified
individuals operate fork lifts. While it has been a slow process,
and while we believe the regulation could be significantly
strengthened, we recognize the constraints on OSHA's resources. ITA
plans to work with employers, dealers, trainers and OSHA to maximize
the effectiveness of this regulation. ITA is pleased to have led
this effort - saving lives, reducing injuries, minimizing the impact
of mistakes is of primary concern. The ripple effects of training
operators will benefit everyone." The full text of the new
regulation is available from OSHA through its Web site at http://www.osha.gov/. |
