How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Liquid propane is usually utilized to operate forklifts or industrial lift trucks. There is the choice to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with forklifts that utilize propane must be correctly trained to handle very combustible substances.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and can lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should 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 position, open the bleed valve carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when opening the valve, but make certain it is air that is escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line slowly. Look around the connections and make certain that there are no leaks. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely 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. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves to make certain that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to be used.