Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the main choice by many warehouses or supply outlets that need to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These battery-powered devices can quietly run on large batteries and can lift heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the main concern, there are still some problems a handler should be aware of and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, some forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50% of all injuries related to lift truck batteries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machines. At times jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could occur because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols that describe when and how the forklift battery would be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive policies and rules describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
It is important to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require proper safety precautions followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials which can lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.