How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually 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 should be trained to handle extremely combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while 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. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves to make sure they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.