How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually used to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the option to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane should be properly trained to deal with highly combustible substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in 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, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make sure it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. Then 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. 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 during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves to make certain that they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.