How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the option to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with highly flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid 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 should be nearby.
2 Before doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas that is escaping at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.