How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually meant to run using liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be properly trained to deal with substances that are highly combustible.
1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause severe burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. 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 sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - 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 during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. The escape of a small amount of gas during 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.