Superabrasive
Owner’s manual original language – Lavina
®
LP36GE
1/2022
14
• Store the Trowel in temperatures between 32°F and 104°F (0°C and 40°C). Cover the Trowel in order to protect it
from accumulating debris and/ or environmental elements.
5.12 PROPANE SAFETY
Propane is a flammable gas whose vapors are heavier than air. As is the case with gasoline, propane can explode if
the proper cautions are not heeded. Propane is odorized with an agent having a distinct odor that is recognizable at
very low concentrations. This helps in identifying leaks, even when they are small.
Awareness and basic safety precautions are required when working with propane. As long as these precautions are
followed, risk is negligible. Ignorance, however, could pose needless risk.
The two greatest hazards with propane powered floor care machines are:
-
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: This is the most frequently reported incident associated with propane powered
floor care machines and is caused by excessive exhaust emissions. The symptoms are headache, dizziness and
nausea. A major cause involves engines with poor preventive maintenance practices, usually those with dirty
air filters and machines operated in confined areas without adequate ventilation. Another cause may be
substandard, inexpensive machines with no emissions control technology and improperly set carburetion.
-
Overfilled Fuel Cylinders: Nearly all fire-related incidents reported result from bringing a cylinder into a
building without first checking for overfill. This action is dangerous, unwise, and unnecessary.
5.13 FIRE SAFETY
Be aware of the potential dangers of fire or explosion when using propane, and take normal fire
‐
safety precautions.
Fire: There is a possibility of fire from LPG vapor leaking or venting from fuel cylinders or carburetion
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, Continued equipment.
Explosion: LPG vapor concentrated or confined to a small, restricted space may explode or ignite.
Propane may experience a BLEVE, a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion.
Emissions: All propane-powered floor care machines produce emissions. Most are harmless, but some are dangerous
and can be fatal. Carbon monoxide (CO) poses the greatest risk, since CO can be lethal within as little as 30 minutes
exposure at a concentration of 3, 000 parts per million (ppm) concentration.
5.14 LOCAL AGENCIES AND REGULATIONS
NFPA
Operating a propane powered floor care machine requires compliance with certain safety regulations. The National
Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Standard for Storage and Handling of LP Gas is the appropriate authority for safe
propane use. A copy of this publication is available through the NPFA in Quincy, MA (1-800-334-3555).
Among its regulations, NFPA #58 requires that all personnel
employed in the handling of propane gas be trained in its proper handling and operating procedures. It also requires
them to carry a written certification from their employer or training supervisor to attest to such training. Although
this is directed mainly to those who fill and transport liquid propane gas, Onyx Environmental Solutions recommends
that operators of propane powered floor care machines in public places be trained and certified as well.
With regard to operation of propane powered floor care equipment, even though NFPA #58 8-4.5 says “these
machines shall be permitted to be used in buildings frequented by the public, including the times when such
buildings are occupied by the public,” Onyx Environmental Solutions suggests usage when occupancy of a given work
area is minimal.
CARB / EPA
The California Air Resource Board (CARB) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also set limits for propane
powered engines used outdoors, but CARB/EPA approval does not signify that the engine is safe to use indoors.
CGA
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) has set a limit of 1500 ppm CO in exhaust flow.
