How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane must be trained to handle substances which are highly flammable.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing something else, you must 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 securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely 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. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves in order to make sure that they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.