How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually meant to run 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 forklifts that use propane must be properly trained to handle very flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in 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. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make certain it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before 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 sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make sure that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.