How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to deal with substances that are highly flammable.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.