How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane should be trained to handle substances that are highly combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.