Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the main choice by many warehouses or supply outlets which have to transport equipment and heavy things out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery can run quietly on big batteries and are capable of lifting heavy loads. Typically, 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 at the forefront, there are still some problems a user has to know and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Several forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. 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 are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes 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, serious injuries could occur due to falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe when and how the lift truck battery will be charged. The majority of companies have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the lift truck 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 which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials which can lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.