How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are normally designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the option to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with extremely flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn in order to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. 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. A hissing sound is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air which is escaping - not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. 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 would release a spray of white gas. Totally 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 certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make sure they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.