How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly designed to operate on liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be properly trained to handle substances that are highly combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could cause severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely 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 certain 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 emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. A small amount of gas which is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.