How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly designed to operate using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane must be properly trained to deal with substances that are highly combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. 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 lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. 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 position, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.