How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane should be trained to handle substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Before doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain 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. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check 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 will release a spray of white gas. Completely 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. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.