Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the best option to reduce emissions from gasoline-fueled forklifts if electric trucks cannot be used?

1. Convert to diesel

2. Convert to LP

3. Increase ventilation

4. Reduce operating hours

The correct answer is: Convert to LP

Converting to liquefied petroleum (LP) gas is the most effective option for reducing emissions from gasoline-fueled forklifts when electric trucks are not an alternative. LP gas is generally cleaner than gasoline, producing fewer harmful emissions such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides when combusted. This transition can lead to a significant decrease in environmental pollutants and contribute to a healthier workplace. Moreover, LP engines typically operate more efficiently than gasoline engines, which can also result in lower fuel consumption and associated emissions. The use of LP is widespread in various industries due to its performance and cleaner-burning characteristics compared to gasoline fuel systems. In contrast, converting to diesel, while reducing some emissions, may increase others, particularly nitrogen oxides and particulates. Increasing ventilation can mitigate some immediate exposure to emissions but does not actually reduce the emissions being produced by the forklifts. Simply reducing operating hours may help in minimizing emissions temporarily, but it is not a sustainable long-term solution to the emission problem since it does not change the source of the emissions or improve air quality.