Lift truck Battery Dangers
The main choice of lift trucks for a lot of supply outlets or warehouses are electric models that are required to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These machinery are battery powered with big batteries enabling the lifting of heavy cargo. Normally, warehouse personnel 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 problems a handler should know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending upon the model, several 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. Around 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. 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 equipment depends upon how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries can happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe when and how a lift truck battery should be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials that could cause chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.