How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane should be properly trained to handle extremely combustible substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing sound is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves to make certain they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.