How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be trained to deal with extremely combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in 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 with caution. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.