How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be properly trained to deal with substances which are highly flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Before doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 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 - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Totally 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make certain that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.