Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric forklifts are the main choice by many warehouses or supply outlets that have to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These battery-powered machinery can run quietly on big batteries and are capable of lifting heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Though these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the priority, there are still several issues a user should know and stuff to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors would require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50 percent of all forklift battery-related injuries result from improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machinery would really depend upon how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries can occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry which describe how and when a forklift battery should be charged. Nearly all businesses have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
It is essential to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common kinds of forklift batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials which could cause chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.