What is the first step in determining the set scale weight when filling a DOT cylinder?

To determine the set scale weight when filling a DOT cylinder, checking the tare weight of the container is essential. The tare weight is the weight of the empty cylinder, which provides a baseline from which to calculate how much propane can be safely added. This weight is crucial when determining how much fuel can be filled without exceeding the cylinder's total allowable weight.

Once the tare weight is established, you can then add the liquid propane until the scale reflects the weight of the filled cylinder, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and preventing overfilling. Understanding the tare weight allows for accurate and safe filling practices, reinforcing the importance of this step in the cylinder filling process.

Other options involve important steps in the overall procedure, such as determining propane capacity, connecting the hose, or setting the scale to zero, but these follow the critical step of identifying the cylinder's tare weight. Each plays a role in the filling process, but the base measurement of the tare weight is the first crucial data point needed before proceeding further.