Forklift Battery Dangers
The main choice of forklifts for a lot of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are needed to transport equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These machinery are battery powered with large batteries allowing the lifting of heavy loads. Usually, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Though these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the priority, there are still several issues a handler should be aware of and stuff to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, some forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50% of all lift truck battery-related injuries are caused by 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 utilizing these pieces of machinery depends on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols that describe when and how the lift truck battery will be charged. Most businesses have extensive policies and rules describing the safest method 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 lift truck batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.