How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally meant to run utilizing liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane should be trained to deal with substances which are highly flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything 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 attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air 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; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would release 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 slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make certain that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.