How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be correctly trained to deal with very combustible substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 Before doing something else, you must 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. 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 would release a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to 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 in order to make sure they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.