Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the main choice by many warehouses or supply outlets that need to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices can quietly run on big batteries and could lift heavy loads. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the main concern, there are still several issues a handler must be aware of and things to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, some forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% of all lift truck battery-related injuries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine would truly depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries can happen due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe when and how a forklift battery must be charged. Most businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is essential to realize the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both extremely corrosive materials that can cause chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.