How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally meant to run on liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane should be properly trained to handle extremely flammable substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. 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. A hissing noise is normal 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 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; when it is full, the bleeder valve would 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. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.