How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to power forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane should be trained to deal with substances which 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 can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher must be nearby.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure there are no lit cigarettes and no open flames in 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air 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. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Carefully 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 of the valves in order to make sure that they are totally closed. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be utilized.