Lift truck Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for lots of warehouses or supply outlets are electric models which are required to transport equipment and heavy products into and out off storage. These devices 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 as the main concern, there are still several problems a user should be aware of and things to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, several forklift batteries could weigh up to 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. About 50 percent of all injuries related to lift truck batteries result from improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machines. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machine depends on how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries can occur because of falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols which describe when and how the forklift battery would 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 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 precautions. 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, face and eyes.