How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally designed to operate using liquid propane. There is the choice to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane must be trained to handle substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames within 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 position, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely 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 which is escaping at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves to make sure they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.