New Job Require Forklift Use? 4 Tips To Keep You Safe When Maintaining The Battery
If your new job requires you to work with a forklift on a daily basis, you're going to be working with the battery, as well. Working with a forklift battery isn't like working with your car battery. There are some extra precautions you'll need to take when working with an industrial forklift battery, especially if you want to ensure your safety. Before you take charge of your forklift, here are some precautions that will keep you safe when working with the battery.
Wear the Proper Gear
Before you start working on your forklift battery, you'll need to be wearing the proper safety gear. Your safety gear will help you avoid coming in contact with battery acid, as well as other hazards that could injure you. Your safety gear should include the following items.
- Goggles and face shield – to protect your face and eyes from acid splashes
- Long-sleeved shirt – to protect your arms
- Rubber gloves – tucked into your gloves
- Steel-toed boots – to protect your feet
Have a Safety Station Set Up
Even with the best safety gear, accidents can still happen. That's why it's important that you have a safety station set up before you begin working on your forklift battery. The safety station will help protect you, and those around you. Your safety station should include the following:
- Floor tape and hazard signs to designate your work area
- Eye wash kit to wash your eyes in an emergency
- Acid-neutralization gear to stop acid burns
Prepare Your Forklift
Once you have your gear on, and your safety station prepared, you'll get to get your forklift ready for maintenance. The first thing you should do is make sure your forklift is turned off, and the key is removed from the ignition. It's also important that you engage the parking brake before you begin any maintenance. Finally, disconnect the battery.
Know What to Look For
When working on your battery, it's important that you know what you're looking for. Even a minor problem with your battery can cause work delays, and potential work-place hazards. To make sure your battery is in good working order, at all times, your maintenance check should include the following areas.
- Check the fluid levels in the battery chamber
- Ensure that the cables are free from damage
- Clean the contact posts
- Inspect the battery casing for cracks and other damage
Don't take chances with your safety. The tips provided here will help you avoid risks when performing maintenance on your forklift battery. Talk to a dealer, like U.S. Lift & Warehouse Equipment Inc, for more help.
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