How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with highly flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 Before doing something else, you should 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 attach the fill line securely 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 certain there are no leaks around the connection. After that 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 before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves to make sure they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.