How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be correctly trained to handle substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove 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. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. A small amount of gas that is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.