How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually 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 should be trained to handle substances that are highly flammable.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. 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, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when 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. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves to make certain they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.