How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly meant to run using liquid propane. There is the option to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to handle extremely flammable substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Check around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves in order to make sure they are completely closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.