Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by many warehouses or supply outlets that need to transport equipment and heavy products into and out off storage. These battery-powered machines are able to quietly run on large batteries and could lift heavy loads. Usually, warehouse employees 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 priority, there are still some issues a handler has to be aware of and things to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the type, some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50% of all injuries related to lift truck batteries are caused by incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machines. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used so as to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machinery would really depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries can occur because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe when and how the forklift battery would be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that can lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.