How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to run using 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 forklifts which use propane should be correctly trained to deal with substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain 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. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as 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 which is escaping during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves to make certain they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.