Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the best choice by lots of supply outlets or warehouses that need to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These battery-powered machines could run quietly on big batteries and can lift heavy loads. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety at the forefront, there are still several problems a user must know and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors would need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all lift truck battery-related injuries are caused by incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machinery depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe how and when the lift truck battery will be charged. Nearly all companies have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common lift truck battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials that could lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.