How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually designed to operate using liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with forklifts that use propane must be correctly trained to handle substances that are highly combustible.

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 could cause serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.

2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain 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 place, open the bleed valve carefully. A hissing noise is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air which is escaping - not propane.

3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure 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 emit a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Slowly take the fill line out of the tank. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves to make sure they are totally closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.