How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be correctly trained to deal with very flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. Remove 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. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make certain they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.