How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice 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 flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Remove 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 the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. 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 release 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 slowly. A small amount of gas that is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.