How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly meant to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with substances which are extremely combustible.
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 very cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in 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, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air that is escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Then 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. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas that is escaping during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make certain that they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.