How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to run using liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane should be trained to deal with highly combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 place, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Afterward 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 before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.