How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally meant to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with very flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure 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. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before 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 valves in order to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.