How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally utilized to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane should be properly trained to deal with substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no open flames within 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 sure it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Slowly 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 while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. A small amount of gas which 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 they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.