Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for many supply outlets or warehouses are electric models which are required to move equipment and heavy things out of and into storage. These machines are battery powered with huge batteries enabling 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 at the forefront, there are still some problems a handler must know and things to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Several forklift batteries can weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, depending upon the type. These extreme weights factors would need mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Approximately 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries are caused by improper lifting and moving these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are utilized so as to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machine depends on how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries can occur because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols that describe when and how the forklift battery will be charged. Most companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest way to remove the lift truck battery in an efficient and safe way.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is vital to know the battery is filled with corrosive liquids which require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common lift truck battery kinds include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both extremely corrosive materials that could result in chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.