How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly meant to run utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane should be properly trained to handle substances which are extremely flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely 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 that is escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. 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 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. A small amount of gas that is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make certain that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.