How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to run using liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to handle extremely combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. 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 during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.