lavina LB36G-S User Manual page 9

Superabrasive
PROPANE SAFETY

Propane is a flammable gas whose vapors are heavier than
air. As is the case with gasoline, propane can explode if the
proper cautions are not heeded. Propane is odorized with an
agent having a distinct odor that is recognizable at very low
concentrations. This helps in identifying leaks, even when they
are small.

Awareness and basic safety precautions are required when
working with propane. As long as these precautions are
followed, risk is negligible. Ignorance, however, could pose
needless risk.

The two greatest hazards with propane powered floor care
machines are:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: This is the most
frequently reported incident associated with propane powered
floor care machines and is caused by excessive exhaust
emissions. The symptoms are headache, dizziness and nausea. A
major cause
involves engines with poor preventive maintenance practices,
usually those with dirty air filters and machines operated in
confined areas without adequate ventilation. Another cause
may be substandard, inexpensive machines with no emissions
control technology and improperly set carburetion.
- Overfilled Fuel Cylinders: Nearly all fire related
incidents reported result from bringing a cylinder into a
building without first checking for overfill. This action is
dangerous, unwise, and unnecessary.
FIRE SAFETY

Be aware of the potential dangers of fire or explosion when
using propane, and take normal fire-safety precautions.
Fire: There is a possibility of fire from LPG vapor leaking or
venting from fuel cylinders or carburetion equipment.
Explosion: LPG vapor concentrated or confined to a small,
restricted space may explode or ignite.
Propane may experience a BLEVE, a boiling liquid expanding
vapor explosion.
EMISSIONS

All propane powered floor care machines produce
emissions. Most are harmless, but some are dangerous and can
be fatal. Carbon monoxide (CO) poses the greatest risk, since CO
can be lethal within as little as 30 minutes exposure at 3,000
parts per million (ppm) concentration.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas
created when fossil fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane,
oil and methane) burn incompletely.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION

A Material Safety Data Sheet for propane shall be posted in
all buildings where propane will be used.
Because propane is odorized, it is easily detected at levels of just
Owner's Manual – LAVINA® LB36G-S
a few parts per million, which is much less than the exposure
limit of 1000 parts per million.
If you smell propane while operating a propane floor care
machine, do the following:
Stop the engine:
1. Pull the throttle to the stop position (if present) or
turn the key switch to the off position.
2. Shut off the service valve on the propane cylinder.
3. Move the floor machine to a well-ventilated area.
4. Remove the cylinder from the machine and take it
outside the building.
5. If the cylinder is leaking, contact a DOT approved
repair shop to determine the cause of the leak and
have the shop, not you, repair it.
If a fire occurs while the machine is being operated, do
the following:
1. Stop the engine: pull the throttle to the stop position
(if present) or turn the key switch to the off position.
2. Shut off the service valve on the propane cylinder if
possible. Be careful not to be burned.
3. Move the machine outside if possible. If not possible,
move it to a well-ventilated area away from
flammable materials.
4. Do not attempt to extinguish the flame from a gas
leak. If you do, the gas will build up in the area and
could re-ignite. Starve the fire by shutting off the
supply of gas.
5. Have the machine and cylinder inspected before using
them again.
LOCAL AGENCIES AND
REGULATIONS

NFPA
Operating a propane powered floor care machine requires
compliance with certain safety regulations. The National Fire
Protection Agency (NFPA) Standard for Storage and Handling of
LP Gas is the appropriate authority for safe propane use. A
copy of this publication is available through the NPFA in
Quincy, MA (1-800-334-3555).
Among its regulations, NFPA #58 requires that all personnel
employed in the handling of propane gas be trained in its
proper handling and operating procedures. It also requires
them to carry a written certification from their employer or
training supervisor to attest to such training. Although this is
directed mainly to those who fill and transport liquid propane
gas, Onyx Environmental Solutions recommends that operators
of propane powered floor care machines in public places be
trained and certified as well.
With regard to operation of propane powered floor care
equipment, even though NFPA 58 8-4.5 says "these machines
shall be permitted to be used in buildings frequented by the
public, including the times when such buildings are occupied by
the public," Onyx Environmental Solutions suggests usage
when occupancy of a given work area is minimal.

CARB / EPA
The California Air Resource Board (CARB) and Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) also set limits for propane-powered
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5/2018