How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally meant to run using 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 propane-powered forklifts should be properly trained to deal with very flammable substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 position, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully 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 the valves to make certain that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.