Lift truck Battery Dangers
The main choice of lift trucks for a lot of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are needed to transport equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These machines are battery powered with big batteries enabling the lifting of heavy loads. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Even if these batteries have been designed and developed with safety at the forefront, there are still several problems a user must be aware of and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50% of all injuries related to lift truck batteries result from incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of equipment will truly depend on how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, severe injuries can occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe how and when a forklift battery must be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
It is essential to know that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require correct safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common lift truck battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials which can lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.