Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by many warehouses or supply outlets that need to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These battery-powered machines could run quietly on large batteries and can lift heavy loads. Usually, warehouse personnel 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 several problems a user should be aware of and things to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors will need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machines. Sometimes 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 machinery would really depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could occur because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe how and when the lift truck battery would be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient 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 measures. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.