Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of forklifts for many warehouses or supply outlets are electric models that are required to move equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These machines are battery powered with large batteries allowing the lifting of heavy cargo. Usually, 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 at the forefront, there are still several problems a user must know and stuff to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, several forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50 percent of all forklift battery-related injuries are caused by incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machine will really depend upon how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, severe injuries can happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive rules and policies describing the safest way to remove the forklift 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 that require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both extremely corrosive materials that could lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.