Lift truck Battery Dangers
The main choice of lift trucks for lots of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are required to move equipment and heavy products out of and into storage. These machinery are battery powered with large batteries enabling the lifting of heavy cargo. Normally, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the priority, there are still some issues a user must know and things to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from 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 using these pieces of machine depends upon how securely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries could occur 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 policies and rules describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common types of forklift batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both very corrosive materials that could cause chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.