Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by a lot of warehouses or supply outlets that need to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These battery-powered devices could run quietly on big batteries and are capable of lifting heavy cargo. Usually, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Even if these batteries have been designed and developed with safety at the forefront, there are still some problems 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 model. These extreme weights factors will require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all injuries related to lift truck batteries result from incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machinery. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of equipment will truly depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry which describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is essential to realize the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials that can result in chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.