Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for numerous supply outlets or warehouses are electric models that are needed to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These devices are battery powered with large batteries enabling the lifting of heavy loads. Usually, warehouse employees are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the priority, there are still some issues a handler has to know and things to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Several forklift batteries can weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors will require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. About 50% of all injuries related to forklift batteries result from improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of equipment depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe how and when a lift truck battery should be charged. The majority of businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe manner.
Corrosives
It is vital to realize that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which require proper safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common types of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials which can lead to chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.