How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. 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 utilize propane should be trained to handle extremely combustible substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air 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. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when 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. A small amount of gas that is escaping at 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. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.