Lift truck Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the main choice by numerous warehouses or supply outlets which need to transport equipment and heavy things into and out off storage. These battery-powered machines could quietly run on big batteries and are capable of lifting heavy cargo. Typically, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Though 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
Depending upon the type, several forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Clearly, these extreme weight factors need mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Roughly 50% of all injuries related to forklift batteries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of machinery. Sometimes 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 machinery will truly depend upon how safely the handler affixes the battery to the cart. Sadly, serious injuries could happen because of falling batteries.
There are strict protocols within the industry that describe when and how a forklift battery should be charged. Nearly all companies have extensive rules and policies describing the safest way to remove the forklift 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 that require you to follow safety precautions. Two of the most common kinds of lift truck batteries include potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. These are both very corrosive materials which could result in chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.