Following reports over the last two years of safety concerns with Fork Lift Trucks which are fuelled by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), where there is the risk of fire occurring, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have issued this Product Safety Report:
This Product Safety Report is relevant to 3 brands of LPG powered industrial lift trucks fitted with the IMPCO C-Series vaporiser manufactured by EControls BV installed as part of the trucks fuel system. Other LPG powered vehicles fitted with the IMPCO C-Series vaporiser as originally supplied or as a replacement part may also be affected.
Hazard: Although these trucks had operated for many years without issue a change in the composition of LPG fuel which has been distributed in some regions of Great Britain has resulted in a risk of fire in certain conditions due to the design of the IMPCO C-Series vaporisers. The products present a risk of fire because the particular design of the IMPCO C-Series vaporiser means a build-up of deposits caused by some LPG fuel can lead to sticking valves resulting in the fuel mixture supplied to the engine being too rich to be ignited. Repeated starting attempts can then result in a risk of fire.
Corrective action: The manufacturers have contacted owners and suppliers of affected lift trucks to warn them of the risks and provide guidance. A corrective action program has been initiated to modify the LPG fuel systems of affected lift trucks to reduce the risk. The IMPCO C-Series (Part Number: MD-54231-001) is no longer fitted to new trucks produced by these manufacturers but is still available from spare parts suppliers. A modified design IMPCO C-Series vaporiser (Part Number: MD-54231-011) is now available and recommended for use as a replacement part.
14 November 2024
