How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually meant to run utilizing 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 should be trained to handle extremely combustible substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to 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. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make certain that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.