The Health and Safety Executive has issued a safety notice following a number of fires associated with LPG powered forklift trucks and similar vehicles during starting.

The problem is caused by a build-up of deposits in the fuel system, particularly in the vaporiser unit.

Deposits form in the vaporiser unit, flow regulators and shut off valves cause the truck to fail to start, particularly from cold. Build-up of deposits can lead to sticking valves and the mixture supplied to the engine being too rich to be ignited.

Repeated starting attempts can result in the release of unburned LPG, which in extreme cases can be ignited, setting fire to the vehicle and surrounding materials.

To read the full safety notice and the recommended action to mitigate the problem, please click here.