How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized 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 which utilize propane should be correctly trained to deal with substances which are highly combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. 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 place, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve 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. Inspect all valves to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.