Battery Changing Safety

Battery Changing Safety

Wearing Jewelry

Personnel who work around batteries should not wear jewelry made of conductive material. Metal items can short-circuit a battery and in the process become hot enough to cause a severe burn.

Removing Batteries

If a battery is to be removed from a truck, (1) bring the fork to ground level, (2) open the electrical circuit of the truck (turn key or switch off), (3) set the brakes or chock the wheels, and (4) unplug the battery. The same procedure applies if the battery is to be charged in the truck. Never try to move a battery by pulling its cables.

Batteries should be changed or charged only by personnel who are trained and authorized to perform these jobs.

Protected Chain Hoists

In cases where commercial battery handling equipment is not available, batteries may be handled with protected chain hoists. Chain hoists should be equipped with a chain container or bucket to prevent a dangling chain from shorting the battery. If a container or bucket is not available, the battery may be covered with a nonconductive material such as plywood or plastic. An insulated battery lifting beam can be used with almost any type of overhead hoist.

Protective Eyeglasses and Headgear

The use of safety glasses and face shields made of a nonconductive material is suggested when batteries are being handled or serviced.

Lifting Batteries

Steel-trayed batteries have holes or eyes for lifting. Using the eyes in conjunction with an insulated battery lifting beam with safety latch and an overhead hoist is the recommended way to lift a battery. If a battery is lifted with two chains attached to a hoist at a single, central point forming a triangle, the procedure is unsafe and can damage the steel tray.

Battery as a counterbalance

In most industrial trucks, a battery is used as a counterbalance for a carried load. Before installing a new or different battery, check with the manufacturer of the truck for the recommended range of battery weight. The battery service weight is usually stamped into the steel tray near one of the lifting holes. A battery with the wrong weight can change the center of gravity of the truck and cause it to upset.

[ BATTERIES ] [ SAFETY ]