Forklift Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for many supply outlets or warehouses are electric models which are needed to move equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These devices are battery powered with huge batteries allowing the lifting of heavy loads. Normally, warehouse personnel are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Even if these batteries have been developed and designed with safety at the forefront, there are still several issues a user needs to be aware of and things to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50 percent of all forklift battery-related injuries are caused by incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machine would really depend upon how securely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries could occur because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe how and when the forklift battery would be charged. The majority of companies have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
It is essential to realize that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of forklift batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials that can result in chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.