Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of forklifts for many supply outlets or warehouses are electric models which are required to transport equipment and heavy products into and out off storage. These machines are battery powered with huge batteries allowing the lifting of heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety at the forefront, there are still some issues a handler should be aware of and things to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors would require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. About 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of equipment will truly depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
It is important to know that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which need correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of forklift batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials that could lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.