How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly meant to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with highly flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - 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. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit 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 at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make certain they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.