Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by a lot of supply outlets or warehouses that have to transport equipment and heavy things out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery are able to run quietly on big batteries and can lift heavy cargo. Usually, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the main concern, there are still several problems a user must know and stuff to be avoided when near 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 need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50 percent of all injuries related to forklift batteries result from incorrect lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machines. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized so as to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine would truly depend on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols that describe how and when the forklift battery will be charged. Nearly all 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 essential to know that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require proper safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both extremely corrosive materials which can lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.