How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have cylinders delivered 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 extremely flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off 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. A hissing sound 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 carefully. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit 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. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.