How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally designed to operate on liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be trained to handle substances that are highly flammable.
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 can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, 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 sure that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas that is escaping during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make sure they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.