Forklift Battery Dangers
The best choice of lift trucks for numerous supply outlets or warehouses are electric models that are required to move equipment and heavy items out of and into storage. These machines are battery powered with huge batteries allowing the lifting of heavy loads. Usually, warehouse employees are responsible for recharging the batteries or swapping them out during a shift. Though these batteries have been designed and developed with safety as the priority, there are still several problems a user needs to know and stuff to be avoided 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 will require mechanical assistance to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50 percent of all injuries related to lift truck batteries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. At times jacks, other forklifts or even specialized carts are utilized so as to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of using these pieces of machinery will truly depend on how the handler securely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, severe injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols in the industry that describe how and when a lift truck battery must be charged. Most companies have extensive rules and regulations describing the safest method to remove the lift truck battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
It is vital to realize that lift truck batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require proper safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common forklift battery types include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both really corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the hands, skin, eyes and face.