Forklift Battery Dangers
The main choice of lift trucks for numerous warehouses or supply outlets are electric models that are needed to transport equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These devices are battery powered with huge batteries enabling the lifting of heavy loads. Typically, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety at the forefront, there are still some problems a handler has to be aware of and stuff to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors will require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. About 50 percent of all forklift battery-related injuries are caused by incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. At times jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries can occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe when and how a lift truck battery should be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive policies and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids that require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common types of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials that could lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.