Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for a lot of supply outlets or warehouses are electric models that are required to move equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These devices are battery powered with large batteries enabling the lifting of heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Even if these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the main concern, there are still some issues a user has to know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the model, several forklift batteries can 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 forklift battery-related injuries result from improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machinery. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine depends on how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries can occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe how and when a forklift battery should be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital 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 sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.