Forklift Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for many warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are required to move equipment and heavy items into and out off storage. These machinery are battery powered with huge batteries allowing the lifting of heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Even though these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the main concern, there are still several issues a handler needs to be aware of and stuff to be avoided when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors would need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50% of all injuries related to forklift batteries result from improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used so as to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machinery will truly depend upon how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries can occur because of 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 rules and regulations describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is essential to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids that require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common forklift battery types include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials that can lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.