How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be correctly trained to deal with substances that are highly combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Before doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. 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. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. 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 during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make certain they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.