HSENI Safety Alert - Jungheinrich / Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) powered industrial lift trucks / Various Models

Introduction

HSENI have been informed of potential problems with Lift trucks with the IMPCO C-Series vaporiser manufactured by EControls BV installed as part of the trucks fuel system are affected. This includes some Jungheinrich lift trucks.

Issue

Owners, users and other persons supplying, inspecting and maintaining these LPG powered vehicles are being alerted to the risk of fire when presented with a non-starting engine. Although these trucks had operated for many years without issue a build-up of deposits in fuel systems of some LPG powered vehicles, in particular those fitted with IMPCO C-series vaporiser units, has led to several fires. Deposits in vaporiser units, flow regulators and shut off valves are also causing trucks to fail to start, particularly from cold. The cause of these deposits appears to be related to variation in the composition of LPG fuel which has been distributed in some regions of Great Britain.

Owners, users and other persons supplying, inspecting and maintaining these LPG powered vehicles are being alerted to the risk of fire when presented with a non-starting engine. Although these trucks had operated for many years without issue a build-up of deposits in fuel systems of some LPG powered vehicles, in particular those fitted with IMPCO C-series vaporiser units, has led to several fires. Deposits in vaporiser units, flow regulators and shut off valves are also causing trucks to fail to start, particularly from cold.

The cause of these deposits appears to be related to variation in the composition of LPG fuel which has been distributed in some regions of Great Britain.

Affected products

Lift trucks with the IMPCO C-Series vaporiser manufactured by EControls BV installed as part of the trucks fuel system are affected. This includes Jungheinrich lift trucks in the following model ranges manufactured between the dates listed.

Truck models manufacture date:

• TFG 316s – 01/14 – 03/23
• TFG 320s – 01/14 – 03/23
• TFG 425s – 01/14 – 03/23
• TFG 430s – 01/14 – 03/23
• TFG 435s – 01/14 – 03/23

Action required:

Corrective Measures

Jungheinrich is contacting known owners and suppliers of affected lift trucks to warn them of the risks and provide guidance on how to reduce and mitigate risks. Jungheinrich have also initiated a programme of voluntary corrective action to retro-fit a fuel system modification kit to priority users worse affected by vaporiser contamination issues. Users should note that although the kit will reduce the likelihood and mitigate the consequences of a fire occurring, the risk is not completely eliminated.

Users should continue to exercise caution and follow the advice given by the manufacturer. Any owners and users of affected Jungheinrich lift trucks who have not been contacted are advised to contact Jungheinrich or the supplying dealer for further advice.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety notice informing users and persons supplying, inspecting and maintaining LPG powered vehicles of the risk of fire in certain conditions and measures to take. This can be accessed from the following link: 

• LPG Safety Bulletin - (www.jungheinrich.co.uk)

Jungheinrich is also notifying users of these alerts via their website at: https://www.jungheinrich.co.uk/about-us/press-events/press-releases/lpgsafety-bulletin-1352012 Users of any other industrial lift truck or other LPG powered vehicle fitted with the IMPCO C-Series vaporiser are also advised to contact the manufacturer or supplying dealer for further advice. Owners and users of other makes and models of LPG-powered lift trucks and vehicles incorporating other vaporiser designs may also experience fuel system problems due to LPG composition and should take note of the general advice given.

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