How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to run using liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane must be trained to deal with very flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames within 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, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. After that 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. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.