EXPERT TIP #2 OSHA WARNS AGAINST PROPANE TANK HAZARDS The agency recently issued a hazard information bulletin to its compliance officers notifying them that propane tanks commonly found on construction sites may have regulators that extend outside the collars. The protective collar is designed to prevent damage to valves. These extensions leave the regulators --and attached equipment such as blowtorches--vulnerable if the tank is dropped or struck by a heavy object. The hazard information bulletin, "Attaching an Unguarded Blowtorch Regulator to a Portable Propane Cylinder," dated Oct. 7, 1996 is available on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov under Other OSHA Documents, Hazard Information Bulletins. OSHA construction standards governing propane tanks (Subpart F, Fire Protection and Prevention) and similar general industry standards (Subpart H, Hazardous Materials) also can be found on the Internet under Standards. The hazard information bulletin also will be placed on an upcoming issue of the OSHA CD-ROM.

Industrial Truck Safety has relayed this information as a courtesy to the public only, and makes no assertions as to the scientific accuracy of the information contained herein, nor does I.T.S. assume any responsibility for liability as a result of the use or misuse of this information.