How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually meant to run on liquid propane. There is the choice to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to handle highly flammable substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift must 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 securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make sure it is air 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. Check the tank while refueling; when 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. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make certain that they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.