Forklift Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for numerous supply outlets or warehouses are electric models which are required to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These machinery are battery powered with large batteries enabling the lifting of heavy loads. Typically, 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 at the forefront, there are still some issues a handler should know and stuff to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors would require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used so as 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, severe injuries can happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery must be charged. Nearly all companies have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
It is important to realize that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common lift truck battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both very corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.