Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by lots of warehouses or supply outlets which have to transport equipment and heavy things out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery could run quietly on big batteries and could lift heavy cargo. Normally, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Though these batteries have been developed and designed with safety at the forefront, there are still several problems a user has to know and stuff to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, several forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50 percent of all forklift battery-related injuries are caused by improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machinery. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of equipment depends on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, severe injuries can happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe how and when a lift truck battery should be charged. Most businesses have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common lift truck battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both very corrosive materials that could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.