Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of forklifts for numerous warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are required to transport equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These machinery are battery powered with huge batteries allowing the lifting of heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Even though these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the priority, there are still some issues a user must know and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of equipment would really depend on how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries can happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry which describe how and when a forklift battery should be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
It is important to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that need proper safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that could cause chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.