How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually meant to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to handle very combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.