How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to run using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to deal with highly flammable substances.
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 could cause severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line 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 opening the valve, but make certain it is air 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. Then 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 will emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.