How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be properly trained to handle highly flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn 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 consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 - 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. Monitor the tank while refueling; when 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 at 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 totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.