Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the best choice by many supply outlets or warehouses that need to move equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices are able to quietly run on large batteries and could lift 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 as the main concern, there are still some issues a handler has to know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, some forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. At times 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 upon how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries can occur because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
It is essential to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials that can result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.