How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the option to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane must be correctly trained to handle very combustible substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. 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 must be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure 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 place, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check 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; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. 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. Check all valves in order to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.