How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with substances that are extremely flammable.
1 Prior to refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. 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 severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Before doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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 with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. 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 of the valves to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.