How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to deal with substances that are highly combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain 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 place, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make certain it is air that is escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make certain that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.