Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the best choice by many supply outlets or warehouses which need to transport equipment and heavy products into and out off storage. These battery-powered machinery can run quietly on large batteries and can lift heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety at the forefront, there are still some issues a user must know and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance in order to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50 percent of all injuries related to lift truck batteries are caused by improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of machines. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of equipment 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 within the industry which describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. Nearly all companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
It is vital to know that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which need proper safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common lift truck battery types include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both extremely corrosive materials which can lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.