How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane should be properly trained to deal with substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames within 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. 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.