How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be correctly trained to handle substances that are highly flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 Before doing something 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 securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make certain that they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.