Forklift Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for numerous warehouses or supply outlets are electric models that are required to move equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These machines are battery powered with large batteries allowing the lifting of heavy cargo. Usually, warehouse employees 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 priority, there are still some issues a handler needs to know and stuff to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the model, several forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% of all injuries related to forklift batteries result from improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine will truly depend on how securely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries could occur due to 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 way 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 that need correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials that can lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.