Forklift Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for a lot of supply outlets or warehouses are electric models that are required to transport equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These machinery are battery powered with large batteries enabling the lifting of heavy loads. Usually, warehouse personnel are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the main concern, there are still several issues a user should be aware of and stuff to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries result from improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. At times jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machinery depends on how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, severe injuries can occur because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe how and when a lift truck battery should be charged. The majority of companies have extensive policies and rules describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
It is important to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require proper safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.