How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice 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 trained to handle substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 Before doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. 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. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air that is escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. 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 release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves to make certain that they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.