Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by a lot of supply outlets or warehouses which have to move equipment and heavy products out of and into storage. These battery-powered machines can run quietly on large batteries and are capable of lifting heavy cargo. Normally, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the main concern, there are still some issues a handler must be aware of and things to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Several forklift batteries can 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 injuries related to forklift batteries are caused by improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machines. At times 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 machine will truly depend upon how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries can occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry that describe when and how a lift truck battery must be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
It is essential to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require correct safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials that could lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.