How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually 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 propane-powered forklifts must be trained to handle very flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in 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, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing sound is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. After that 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. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. 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 closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.