Changing forklift propane cylinders should be filled or changed only by trained personnel using proper safety procedures. Follow any and all of your company's procedures relating to propane activities. If your company has no procedure for changing cylinders, a guide will need to be written and training will need to be performed to protect all involved in cylinder exchange. Contact your supervisor immediately if you have any propane safety concerns or questions. Never attempt to change or fill a cylinder if you have not been properly trained to do so. During the exchange, wear proper gloves and eye protection when performing propane transfer activities, including connecting, disconnecting or filling a cylinder. Avoid contact with liquid propane, as it can cause frostbite.

Start the exchange by removing the empty cylinder. You will need to turn the forklift engine off and set the parking brake. Close the cylinder's service valve by turning it clockwise. Disconnect the female quick-connect fitting from the male quick-connect fitting by turning it counterclockwise. Disconnect the toggle clamp that secures the propane cylinder to the forklift. Remove the cylinder from forklift, using proper lifting techniques.

Before mounting the new full cylinder, inspect cylinder for proper specification for forklift use. Inspect cylinder for leaks, corrosion, denting, bulging, fire damage, or evidence of rough usage to the extent the cylinder is likely to be weakened appreciably. Inspect cylinder for current inspection. Inspect the valves, valve protection (guard) and foot ring. If the cylinder fails any part of this inspection, DO NOT USE IT and contact your propane supplier about the defective cylinder.

Once the new cylinder has passed the visual inspection, lift the filled cylinder using proper lifting techniques and place it on the forklift with the locating pin properly inserted through the locating pin hole in the cylinder's neck ring. Reconnect the toggle clamp and be sure the clamp properly secures the cylinder. Make sure the propane hose is not cut or chafed and the gasket and O-ring are properly installed in the male quick-connect fitting. Connect and tighten the male and female quick-connect fittings. Slowly open the cylinder service valve by turning counterclockwise. Check for leaks using an approved leak-detector solution. Also listen for a hiss and smell for propane. Make sure the propane hose or cylinder does not extend beyond the forklift's sides or rear. Make sure the propane cylinder is properly secured against movement. Start engine and resume operation.

Store propane forklift cylinders in a location set forth in your local fire code and the cylinders must be secured against tampering and damage. Empty cylinders can be stored upside down to identify they are used. Do not store cylinders or park propane forklifts in areas of excessive heat or near sources of ignition. Store propane cylinders and even unattended forklifts with their service valves closed.

With training and having a procedure in place will ensure safe cylinder exchange for your forklift trucks. Recorded training will also ensure all employees that must exchange cylinders have proper training and are qualified to do so.