How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly designed to operate using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be properly trained to deal with substances which are extremely flammable.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; as soon as 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. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves to make sure that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.