How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to handle very combustible substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely 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 Prior to doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first prior to 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves to make sure they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.