How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly designed to run utilizing liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to handle substances which are highly flammable.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in 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, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - 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 while refueling; as soon as 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. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. 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 to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.