How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. 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 position, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing sound 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 slowly. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping at this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves in order to make sure that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.