Safety Steps To Ensure Regulatory Compliance To Health And Safety Legislation

Battery powered electric industrial forklift trucks are becoming more and more prevalent. With benefits of longer run times, shorter recharging times and reduced emissions, electric trucks are going to become even more common. From small, motorized pallet trucks to larger capacity forklift trucks. No matter what kind of truck you have, there are similar hazards associated with batteries and their maintenance - fork truck training devon

-Weight issue - even the smallest of industrial forklift batteries weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or more
-Gases emitted during charging can be highly volatile
-Corrosive chemicals exist within the unit

For these reasons, battery charging areas must be properly equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in addition to having safety procedures in place. Batteries should only be moved and replaced from the forklifts using a special equipped forklift or battery lift specifically created for transporting batteries, securely placed and restrained in that equipment.
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Batteries release oxygen and hydrogen gases as they are charging. In the right concentrations, these gases can be highly explosive. Called "gassing", it is more noticeable if the battery is being overcharged. Due to "gassing", charging areas should be in well ventilated areas, and ideally even equipped with specially provided systems eg fume hoods or exhaust fans, a well ventilated area will prevent hydrogen and oxygen from reaching volatile levels.

Sulphuric acid is a common and hazardous component in a forklift (or other) battery. In the event of a battery acid spill, neutralizing agents and cleanup materials which should be to hand at all times should be placed on the liquid. After the spill is neutralized, it can be safely cleaned up and disposed of in accordance with your local regulations. Only properly trained and authorized employees should perform an acid cleanup.

PPE: proper footwear, such as steel toe capped boots should be worn. Chemical-resistant gloves, acid apron, eye wear and face protection are a must. They will reduce the risk of injury should an acid spill occur. As stated by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1), "The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapours, or potentially injurious light radiation."

Face protection should meet the ANSI Z87.1-1989 specifications or be proven equally effective. Face shields are considered as secondary eye protection only. Indirect or non-vented safety spectacles should also be worn to protect the eyes. An eye/face wash and shower are other required pieces of equipment that must be provided in or near a battery changing area. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151, "…where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."

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