Forklift 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 products into and out off storage. These devices are battery powered with huge batteries allowing the lifting of heavy loads. Typically, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Even if these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the main concern, there are still some problems a user should be aware of and things to be avoided when near the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the model. These extreme weights factors would need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. About 50 percent of all injuries related to forklift batteries are caused by incorrect moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of equipment would really depend on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could occur due to falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry that describe when and how a lift truck battery must be charged. Most companies have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common forklift battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials which can result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, face and eyes.