How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane must be trained to handle substances that are highly combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. 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, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make certain it is air which is escaping - and 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 will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all of the valves to make sure that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.