How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be correctly trained to handle highly combustible substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. 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 position, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check 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 before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.