How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly designed to run using liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane must be correctly trained to handle very flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Prior to doing something else, you must 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 place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air that is 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. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. A small amount of gas that is escaping at this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make certain that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.