How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly designed to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames in 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 sure it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor 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 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. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.