How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally meant to run 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 forklifts that use propane should be trained to handle highly flammable substances.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Before doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - and 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. Check 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 slowly. A small amount of gas which is escaping at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.