How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the choice to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to deal with extremely flammable substances.

1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. 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 lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.

2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within 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, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air that is escaping - not propane.

3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves to make certain they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be utilized.