How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly designed to operate on liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane should be trained to handle substances that are extremely flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. 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, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to 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 certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.