How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to handle substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while 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. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.