How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally 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 that utilize propane must be trained to deal with substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Before doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. 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 place, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 Slowly 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. Check 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 before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas that is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.