How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually meant to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to deal with substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain 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, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to 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 the valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.