Superabrasive
Owner’s manual original language – Lavina
®
LP36GE
1/2022
15
OSHA
For propane powered machines used indoors, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has
established a limit of 50 ppm CO for 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) in ambient air and is considering a limit of
800 ppm CO in exhaust flow.
DOT
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has established regulations regarding the safety of fuel
cylinders including the ones used on propane powered floor care machines.
Local Agencies
Local law enforcement agencies such as the local Fire Marshall also rely on independent testing labs such as UL and
CGA before giving their approval of the use of some equipment. These labs thoroughly test equipment and submit
their stamp of approval only after rigorous testing. While not being required by all law enforcement agencies, the
stamp of approval by these agencies further assures the operator that he or she is working with and around safe
equipment.
NOTE: In order to reduce all consequences of the above mentioned risks, we advise that machine operators will
follow the instructions in the manual at all times.
5.15 PROPANE CYLINDERS
The Propane cylinders are constructed of either aluminum or steel. We recommend aluminum because it is
lighter and guards against rusting. The cylinder used on propane powered trowels is classified as a 4E240
cylinder. Its rated capacity is 33.5 lbs. and this designation refers to the model of the cylinder. Actual propane
capacity achieved during filling can be less than, equal to, or slightly more than 33.5 lbs. Use only UL, CTC/DOT
listed cylinders.
The propane cylinder used on the machine is a motor fuel cylinder as listed by the Department of Transportation.
Unlike the common 33.5-lbс propane outdoor grill cylinders (which are not legal for use on propane floor
machines), the motor fuel cylinder has a number of safety systems designed into it to ensure your safety at all
times.
There are two types of 33.5 lb. motor fuel cylinders.
Liquid draw
Vapor draw
The liquid draw cylinder is used on larger vehicles like forklifts. These machines have special vaporizing
carburetors to allow the propane to change from a liquid to a gas before being burned in the combustion
chamber.
The vapor draw cylinder is used on small machines like the propane powered floor care machines. The Trowel
generated by the engine draws up the Propane gas vapor through the fuel system. The propane powered floor
care machine does not have an evaporating system and will freeze up if liquid propane is introduced to it. It is
necessary that special attention be paid to ensure that neither the liquid nor the vapor draw cylinders be
overfilled.
5.15.1 REFUELLING CYLINDERS
The proper filling of propane cylinders is a subject so important that it warrants special attention. Propane
cylinders should only be filled by qualified propane dealers.
Most important, propane cylinders should be filled no more than 80% of their rated capacity. The other 20%,
which is about 4” (10 cm) from the top of the cylinder, is called the vapor space or headspace. This vapor can be
compressed without causing the pressure relief valve to open and vent gas to the area around the cylinder. If there is
no headspace to allow for fuel expansion, the pressure relief valve will open, releasing propane gas into the
atmosphere. This is a very dangerous and volatile situation as there is always the possibility that enough of the vented
