How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally meant to operate on liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be properly trained to deal with substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 noise when the valve is open, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.