How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to operate on liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with substances which are extremely flammable.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Before doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove 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. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. 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 that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.