Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for numerous warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are needed to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These devices are battery powered with huge batteries enabling the lifting of heavy loads. Usually, 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 several problems a handler should be aware of and stuff to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors will need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries result from incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. At times jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machinery depends on how securely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries can occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
It is important to know that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require proper safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common types of forklift batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.