Forklift Battery Dangers
The main choice of forklifts for lots of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models that are required to transport equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These machinery are battery powered with big batteries allowing the lifting of heavy loads. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety at the forefront, there are still several problems a user needs to know and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, several forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. About 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine depends upon how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could occur because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry which describe when and how a lift truck battery must be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
It is essential to realize that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require correct safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.