Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by many supply outlets or warehouses which need to transport equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices could quietly run on large batteries and could lift 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 as the main concern, there are still several issues a user has to be aware of and things to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the model, some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. About 50% of all injuries related to forklift batteries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of equipment depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could occur because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery must be charged. Most businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
It is essential to know that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which need correct safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both very corrosive materials that could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.