How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly meant to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane must be trained to deal with very flammable substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Before doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames in 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. 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. Check all valves in order to make sure they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.