Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the main choice by a lot of warehouses or supply outlets that need to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices could run quietly on large batteries and could lift heavy cargo. Usually, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Though these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the main concern, there are still some problems a handler has to be aware of and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Several forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors will need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries result from improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machinery will truly depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry which describe when and how a lift truck battery must be charged. Most businesses have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is essential to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that can cause chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.