How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane must be properly trained to deal with substances which are highly flammable.
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 very cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.