How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually designed to run utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be trained to deal with substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could cause severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain 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 position, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air which 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. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release 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. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.