How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be properly trained to handle substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 Before doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure 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 place, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before 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 valves to make sure they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.