How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to power industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with extremely flammable substances.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely 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 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. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping at this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all the valves to make certain they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.