Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the main choice by a lot of warehouses or supply outlets that need to move equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices could quietly run on large batteries and are capable of lifting heavy cargo. Normally, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the priority, there are still several issues a handler must know and things to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, some forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% of all injuries related to lift truck batteries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized so as to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machinery depends upon how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a lift truck battery should be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to realize the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common kinds of forklift batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials that could lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.