Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for a lot of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are needed to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These devices are battery powered with large batteries enabling the lifting of heavy cargo. Usually, warehouse personnel 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 user must know and stuff to be prevented when in the vicinity of the batteries.
Weight
Some forklift batteries can 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. Roughly 50 percent of all lift truck battery-related injuries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized in order to transport and move heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of equipment will really depend on how securely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe when and how a lift truck battery must be charged. The majority of companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient manner.
Corrosives
In order to handle them, it is important to realize the battery is filled with corrosive liquids that require you to follow safety measures. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials which could cause chemical burns to the hands, skin, face and eyes.