How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the choice 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 substances which are highly flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air that is 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 during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.