How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to operate industrial lift trucks or forklifts. There is the choice to have cylinders brought 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 which are highly flammable.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to avoid the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is very cold and can result in severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must always be nearby.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames within the area. 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 place, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - 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. Monitor the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. 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 in order to make sure they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.