Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the best choice by a lot of supply outlets or warehouses which need to transport equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery are able to quietly run on large batteries and can lift heavy loads. Normally, 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 issues a user must be aware of and stuff to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of equipment depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a lift truck battery should be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
It is important 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 lift truck battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials which can result in chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.