How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to run utilizing 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 that utilize propane must be correctly trained to handle extremely combustible substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise 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 will emit 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 carefully. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make sure they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.