How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane should be trained to deal with substances that are highly flammable.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could 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 should be shut down first. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. 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. A hissing sound 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. 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. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Slowly 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 valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.