How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders brought to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to deal with very combustible substances.

1 Before refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could lead to serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must always be close at hand.

2 Before doing something else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, carefully open the bleed valve. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - 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 will release a spray of white gas. Totally turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make certain that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.