Industrial battery safety should be a primary concern in warehouse and distribution centers. Both people changing and maintaining batteries alike should be aware of the dangers that come with batteries as well as safe handling procedures and best practices. Not only are industrial batteries heavy (up to 4000 lbs in some cases), they also contain sulfuric acid, making them a workplace hazard on multiple fronts. A firm understanding of safety and best practices can improve up time and prevent accidents.
Properly caring for your forklift battery can significantly improve its longevity. That’s a huge money-saver because these batteries aren’t cheap. A forklift battery typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000. Take care of your equipment and take care of your wallet at the same time.
The practices you use while charging forklift batteries all affect this lifespan. Forklift Inventory is here to help your business succeed. We’ve created a list of best practices when it comes to forklift battery maintenance.
Not only are these practices necessary for maintaining the condition of your equipment, but they ensure safety at your workplace. Forklift batteries are incredibly dangerous. Handling them properly will keep your operators and workers safe.
Either way, regular maintenance can increase your equipment's efficiency now and spare you headaches later on.
1) Always wear protective eyewear and gloves. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting battery maintenance. This can include, but is not limited to, gloves, face shields, and aprons. If it comes into contact with your eyes, flush immediately with water for 15 minutes and promptly seek medical attention.
2) Eliminate sources of sparks or flames. Charging lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases from the electrolyte. When performing maintenance on lead-acid batteries, a spark or flame can ignite these gases and could cause the battery to explode.
3) Keep metal tools and jewelry away from batteries. Non-insulated tools or jewelry can run the risk of arcing if accidental contact is made between a battery terminal and grounded frame or another terminal. Also, gold or silver jewelry can become extremely hot if contact is made. Always wear gloves and use insulated tools to remove terminals and battery hold-downs.
4) Use caution when removing a lead-acid battery. Lead acid batteries are heavy and many accidental injuries occur when lifting or moving batteries by hand. Use a battery carrier or make sure you have a good grip on the battery and have the strength to hold it safely.
5) Keep a neutralizing solution close by. A baking soda and water solution neutralizes the sulfuric acid in the battery’s electrolyte. Create a small solution in a jar or container and keep it close by. If some electrolyte is accidentally spilled, you can immediately use the solution to clean the area, then rinse with water.
6) Follow recommended charging practices for your battery technology. Not all battery chargers are the same or work properly on a flooded lead-acid battery. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to properly charge the battery and make sure your charger provides the best algorithm that maximizes battery life and power output. Battery charging should always be done in a well-ventilated area.
7) Perform routine forklift battery watering. Never use a garden hose to fill batteries. Use only distilled or deionized water in a watering pitcher, water caddy or an automated watering system to properly fill batteries. Never fill battery cells above the level indicator. If the electrolyte level is below the tops of the battery plates prior to charging, add just enough water to cover them. Once the battery has been fully recharged, bring the water level up to approximately ¼ inch from the bottom of the fill well indicator. Never fill a low cell all the way to the fill well indicator before charging.
8) Store batteries in a cool, dry and ventilated area. If you store large quantities of batteries, be sure the area is clear of any heat sources, flames, and sparks. Clearly post “No Smoking” and “Flammable” signs in the area.
9) Make sure battery vent caps are fully seated in place. Loose or improperly seated vent caps can spill electrolyte and expose the gases inside the battery to conditions that could cause an explosion.
10) Dedicate an area for battery maintenance. Prevent accidents by dedicating an area for battery maintenance that has properly insulated tools, protective wear, a wash station, ventilation and plenty of workspace.
Industrial batteries and chargers are used on a daily basis in warehouses and distribution centers making safe use of utmost concern. Post a list of best practices for battery and charger use around your facility as a reminder for people charging and maintaining batteries of the importance of proper use and handling. By employing best practices, your users will reduce the risk of an accident and will also increase uptime and productivity. For more information on batteries and chargers visit https://www.lithiumforkliftbattery.com/forklift-batteries.html
When in doubt, call your BSLBATT service representative for long, reliable battery life. Harness your fleet’s power with BSLBATT®. Our representatives will help you keep your equipment going strong, so you can keep supply chains moving forward.
