Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by lots of supply outlets or warehouses that have to transport equipment and heavy products out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery are able to run quietly on large batteries and are capable of lifting heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Though these batteries have been developed and designed with safety at the forefront, there are still some issues a user should know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the model, some 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. About 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries result from incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. At times jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machinery would really depend upon how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe when and how a lift truck battery must be charged. Most companies have extensive policies and rules describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids that require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common lift truck battery kinds include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both really corrosive materials that could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.