Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the main choice by lots of supply outlets or warehouses that need to move equipment and heavy products out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery can quietly run on large batteries and could lift heavy loads. Normally, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Though these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the priority, there are still some issues a user must know and things to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors will require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50 percent of all forklift battery-related injuries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. 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 the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe how and when a forklift battery must be charged. Most companies have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital to realize the battery is filled with corrosive liquids that require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common lift truck battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both extremely corrosive materials which could lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.