Forklift Battery Safety & Savings

1. Dress Appropriately for Handling Batteries

Because forklift batteries are made from corrosive chemicals that can burn your eyes and skin, make sure to be dressed appropriately when handling batteries. Make sure to wear safety goggles, rubber gloves, steel-toed boots, and an apron. Do not wear metallic jewelry. 

2. Use the Right Handling Equipment for Moving Batteries

Forklift batteries are heavy. Smaller batteries can weigh 100-200lbs, but larger ones can weigh as much as 3,000lb. So, always use the appropriate handling equipment such as a battery lifting beam when lifting or moving batteries. Also, always make sure that the battery is properly secured before lifting or moving. 

3. Handle and Charge Batteries in a Designated Area

Having a designated area for handling and charging batteries is an OSHA-recommended best practice. When you charge your forklift battery, potentially flammable gases may be emitted. Having a designated, well-ventilated area prevents gas build-up. This designated area should also have eyewash and shower stations nearby, in the event of acid splashes and exposure. 

4. Perform Battery Inspections and Maintenance

Batteries need to be inspected as a part of your daily OSHA-required forklift inspections. When inspecting your forklift battery, be sure to check your fluid levels. Make sure that the charging cables are intact, insulated, and connected. Look for cracks in the battery casing and for crystallization and corrosion around the terminals or fill caps. The battery’s contact posts should be clean. 

5. Charge Your Batteries Properly

Properly charging your forklift battery is the best way to extend the life of your battery. A battery has a limited number of charge cycles in it, usually about 1,500 charges. For traditional battery types, take care not to opportunity charge your battery. Flooded batteries should have 8 hours of run time, 8 hours of charge time, and 8 hours of cool-down time. If your operations require opportunity charging, see your battery supplier for the appropriate battery and charger combination for this type of charging capability. 

To properly charge your battery, follow the below tips: 

• Make sure that your battery and your battery charger are compatible. 
• Be sure that the charger is switched off before connecting or disconnecting your battery. 
• Charge your battery when it hits 20% charge remaining. Do not charge the battery before it hits this red zone. 
• Always charge your battery completely. Partially charging your battery will count against your battery’s total number of charge cycles. Never interrupt a charging flooded type battery! (Unless you have an opportunity charger and battery combination.) 
• Avoid extreme temperatures when charging your battery. Charging and operating your battery in extreme temperatures will greatly reduce your battery’s life. 
• Allow your battery to cool down after charging. If you have a flooded or wet cell battery, you should follow the battery cycle of 8 hours charging, 8 hours cooling down, and 8 hours of working.