How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to handle substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. Take off 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. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air 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. 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. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make sure to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make sure that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.