Forklift Battery Dangers
The main choice of lift trucks for a lot of supply outlets or warehouses are electric models that are required to transport equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These devices are battery powered with large batteries allowing the lifting of heavy loads. 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 priority, there are still several issues a user should know and stuff to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors would need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% of all injuries related to forklift batteries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used so as to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of equipment will truly depend on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could occur due to falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe when and how the lift truck battery will be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
It is vital to know that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that need correct safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that could cause chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.