How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is normally utilized to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be correctly trained to handle substances that are highly combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn 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 should be shut down first. Make sure there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. 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. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Check around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Totally 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 certain they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.