How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally 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 propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with very combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should 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 attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, 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 sure that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; as soon as 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. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves in order to make sure they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.