How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane must be properly trained to deal with substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Before doing something 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing noise 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 carefully. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make sure that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.