How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be trained to handle highly flammable substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift must 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 securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. After that 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 will release 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. A small amount of gas that is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves in order to make certain that they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.