Things You Should Know About Forklift Batteries

There are too many industrial facilities that overlook their forklift maintenance. These machines are important parts of your operation, and thus it is important to prioritize their care so they can continue serving you long into the future.

Proper forklift maintenance in Jefferson, WI involves both the handling of forklift batteries and how you charge them. Here’s a quick overview of some things you should know:

• Use proper equipment to move the battery: Forklift batteries can be quite heavy, which makes them very difficult for an individual to move. Rather than trying to haul the battery yourself from place to place, you should use special equipment, such as a walkie pallet jack with a transfer carriage. Make sure you always wear steel-toed boots when performing this type of maintenance.
• Safety first: There should always be an eye and hand washing station nearby, just in case you are exposed to any hazardous liquid during the battery maintenance process. You should also wear protective gear that is resistant to chemicals, including gloves and safety glasses. Remove all metallic jewelry before you begin.
• Have a designated charging spot: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends having a designated area for battery charging at your facility.
• Charge at the right time: Battery manufacturers recommend charging at 80 percent depth of discharge. Charging before this could result in reducing the battery life, and charging past that level could also result in lower battery life in the long run and create a higher risk of the battery potentially running out of juice.
• Charge in the right conditions: The battery should not be charged in extreme heat or cold. Charge at room temperature, and follow all of the charging environment specifications provided by the manufacturer.
• Take caution with overflows: If the battery overflows, be sure to rinse it to prevent corrosion.
• Check compatibility: The battery and the charger need to be compatible with each other for you to charge safely and effectively. The charger needs to match the voltage and amperage. If you have multiple types of batteries and chargers, make sure you clearly label the chargers and color code them to prevent you or anyone else at the facility from accidentally connecting the battery to the incorrect charger. All people who will be performing battery charging duties need to be trained in the process so they know which chargers to use for which batteries.
• Avoid overcharging: There are some batteries that have systems that prevent overcharging, but it’s still important for you to be alert and to take proper precautions to avoid overcharging, which can severely damage the battery.
• Add water after charging: You should be certain to add water as needed when you take the time to charge the battery, but only do so after the charging cycle is complete. Pure, distilled water is necessary for the watering process.
• Turn off: Before you connect or disconnect the battery, make sure the charger is turned off.

For other things you should know about forklift batteries in Jefferson, WI, contact the team at Remis Power Systems Inc. today.

Categorised in: Forklift Batteries

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