Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of forklifts for lots of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models that are needed to transport equipment and heavy items 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. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the priority, there are still several problems a handler has to know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of 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 require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50 percent of all injuries related to lift truck batteries are caused by incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machines. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machinery depends on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries could happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery must be charged. Nearly all companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital to realize the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common types of forklift batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials that can result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.