The following is a set of guidelines for helping to reduce forklift- and battery charging-related accidents:
Courtesy: www.mmh.com
- Separate the battery changing area or “battery room” from general warehouse traffic and make sure it is adequately ventilated.
- Protect battery handling equipment with highly visible structural barriers and floors that are level, flat and acid-resistant.
- Equip each battery room with battery wash and eye wash stations, spill kits and hydrogen gas detectors. Have available plenty of water, soda ash, baking soda and CO2, dry chemical or foam fire extinguishers.
- Wear the right protective gear, including safety goggles, face shields, rubber or neoprene gloves and aprons.
- Remove anything metallic, including jewelry, and keep metal objects away from uncovered batteries.
- Take precautions with flammable materials.
- Check electrolyte and water levels before beginning active charging, but don’t add water until after charging is complete.
- When mixing the electrolyte, always pour acid into water, not the other way around, and pour slowly.
- Keep the charger turned off and unplugged while attaching or detaching clamp connections.
- For batteries with sealed vents, don’t exceed 25 amperes of current.
- If the battery heats up, or if vents start leaking fluid, turn off the charger and start over with a lower rate of charge.
- Keep water levels at the indicated height, but only add the deionized water after recharging is complete.
- Record all levels in a designated service log.
- Have regular preventative maintenance or have a qualified dealer perform that service.
Courtesy: www.mmh.com
