How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually designed to operate using liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to handle substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. 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. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make sure they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.