How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the option to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be correctly trained to deal with highly combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. 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 release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. 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 the valves in order to make certain they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.