How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are usually meant to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts which utilize propane should be correctly trained to deal with very flammable substances.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be nearby.
2 The forklift must be shut down first. Make sure 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make certain it is air 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. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas that is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all the valves in order to make sure they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.