How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly designed to run utilizing liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be trained to handle substances which are extremely flammable.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. 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 place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain 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. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves to make sure they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.