How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane must be properly trained to deal with highly combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely 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. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.