How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with very combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line 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 certain 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. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.