Evaluation and Control of Carbon Monoxide Exposure from Propane-Fueled Forklifts

Abstract

Abstract As reported in the literature, the use of forklifts with propane-fueled motors may be one of the major sources of exposure to carbon monoxide in the workplace. Quebec regulations specify basic ventilation flow rates under conditions in companies where propane-fueled forklifts operate. These regulations are based on Industrial Ventilation, published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Contrary to ACGIH, however, they do not require any preventive maintenance program for these vehicles, including a tune-up based on an evaluation below 1 percent of the carbon monoxide emission in the exhaust gases, nor do they set any lower limit for the room volume below which a propane-fueled forklift should not be used. The aim of the study was to find an acceptable solution for reducing the carbon monoxide emitted by propane-fueled forklifts in order to reduce workers' exposure to carbon monoxide and maintain a good power efficiency. A strategy is then proposed for measureme...