How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally utilized to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which use propane should be properly trained to handle highly flammable substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent 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 be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames within 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 position, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then 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 would emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly 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 valves to make certain that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.