How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally utilized to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with substances that are extremely flammable.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make sure it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check 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; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit 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 certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.