How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be correctly trained to handle substances which are extremely flammable.
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 could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain 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 place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing sound 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. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves in order to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.