How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane must be trained to deal with very combustible substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. 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, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward 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. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.