Selecting the Right Forklift for the Environment
To select the right forklift for each class and division, use the table below. Look in the first column of the table for the hazard class of the material. Find the row that has the chemical or substance handled. Choose the second or third column based on the division that represents the exposure condition.
| Hazard Classification | Acceptable Forklift Designations | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1: Flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in quantities sufficient for explosion or ignition. | Division 1: Condition exists continuously, intermittently, or periodically under normal operating conditions. | Division II: Condition may occur accidentally (e.g., puncture of a storage drum) |
| Examples: Acetylene, Acetaldehyde, Butadiene, Cyclopropane, Diethyl ether, Ethylene, Ethylene oxide, Isoprene, Propylene oxide, Hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to hydrogen, such as manufactured gas), Unsymmetrical dimenthyl hydrazine (UDMH) | Forklift use prohibited | DY, EE, EX (also DS, ES, GS, LPS) if the only exposure is sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases in containers |
| Examples: Acetone, Acrylonitrile, Alcohol, Ammonia, Benzine, Bensol, Butane, Ethylene dichloride, Gasoline, Hexane, Lacquer Solvent, Natural gas, Naphtha, Propane, Propylene, Styrene, Xylenes, Vinyl acetate, Vinyl chloride | EX | DY, EE, EX (also DS, ES, GS, LPS) if the only exposure is sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases in containers |
| Class II: Combustible dust is present | Division I: Explosive or conductive mixture may be present under normal conditions or where equipment failure can lead to both this condition and arching or sparking. | Division II: Explosive mixture not normally present but where deposits of dust may cause heat rise in electrical equipment. |
| Aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys Other metals of similarly hazardous characteristics |
Forklift use prohibited | Forklift with electrical enclosures manufacturer approved where magnesium, aluminum or aluminum bronze may be present |
| Carbon black Coal or coke dust |
EX | Forklift manufacturer approved for this location. |
| Other combustible dusts | EX | DY, EE, EX |
| Examples: Baled waste, Cocoa fiber, Cotton, Excelsior, Hemp, Istle, Jute, Kapok, Oakum, Sisal, Spanish moss, Synthetic fibers, Tow | DY, EE, EX | DS, DY, ES, EE, GS, LPS (Type E may continue to be used if used previously at this location.) |
| Unclassified Locations: Piers and wharves inside and outside general storage, general industrial or commercial properties | EX | D, E, G, LP (more protective designations may also be used) |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-5. Class I/Division I forklift operation is prohibited where continuous or periodic exposure to _____ is possible.
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