How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally meant to run on liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane must be trained to handle substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift should 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 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 which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Check 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 would release a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.