How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually designed to run using 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 propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to deal with substances that are highly combustible.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you must 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing sound is normal when opening the valve, 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 sure 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 would emit 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 during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make sure they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.