How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane should be trained to deal with substances that are extremely flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. Remove 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 sound is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit 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. A small amount of gas that is escaping during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make sure that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.