Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the main choice by a lot of warehouses or supply outlets which need to transport equipment and heavy products into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices are able to run quietly on large batteries and can lift heavy loads. Normally, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Even if these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the priority, there are still several problems a handler must know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors will need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% 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 so as to transport and move 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 within the industry which describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
It is essential to know that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that need proper safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that can lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.