Forklift Battery Dangers
The main choice of lift trucks for many warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are required to move equipment and heavy products into and out off storage. These devices 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. Though these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the main concern, there are still some problems a user needs to know and stuff to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Several forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors would need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe how and when a lift truck battery should be charged. The majority of companies have extensive policies and rules describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient 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 measures. Two of the most common lift truck battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials that can result in chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.