Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the best choice by lots of warehouses or supply outlets that need to move equipment and heavy things out of and into storage. These battery-powered machines are able to run quietly on big batteries and can lift heavy loads. Typically, 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 at the forefront, there are still several issues a handler has to know and stuff 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 would require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all forklift battery-related injuries are caused by incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. At times jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machine would truly depend upon how securely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery must be charged. Most businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest method to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
It is vital to know that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids which need 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 that could lead to chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.