Whether you are a forklift operator or manage a warehouse, maintaining a safe environment is always the most important duty. Though workplace accidents involving forklifts are extremely common, they are still preventable.
Forklifts are getting safer to operate every year, and lithium-ion batteries are one of the reasons why this is happening. Here are a few of the reasons why lithium-ion batteries make your forklift safer.
Overheating Is Unlikely
Overcharging is one of the most significant hazards to using a lead-acid forklift battery. If this happens, the electrolyte mixture inside overheats, which causes oxygen and hydrogen gas to build up and significantly increase internal pressure.
Lead-acid batteries have venting capabilities to reduce pressure, but the battery will explode if it can’t do its job. Lithium-ion batteries don’t require any special room for charging because you don’t have to vent them.
In addition to reducing the risk of a battery explosion, lithium-ion batteries possess a battery management system to account for other potential risk factors. This system monitors the battery’s temperature so that it stays within a safe operating range at all times.
You Don’t Need a Separate Charging Station
Forklift operators must watch lead-acid batteries closely to ensure their emissions don’t cause any safety hazards. Consequently, if you need to charge a lead-acid battery, you have to do it in ideal conditions so that the gases can dissipate thoroughly.
Having a separate room for ideal ventilation is unnecessary for lithium-ion batteries, which means fewer hassles for management and employees alike. In addition, lithium-ion batteries emit no harmful gases while they charge, so you can charge them wherever you like. You can even charge a lithium-ion battery directly inside a forklift, saving time and increasing overall workplace efficiency in the process.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Easier To Handle
When forklift batteries are too heavy, the risk of an accident taking place increases from an ergonomic standpoint. Thankfully, lithium-ion batteries are typically much lighter than their lead-acid counterparts.
Not only are lighter batteries safer, but they also cut down on transportation time, which adds to workplace productivity. Nonetheless, if you or a co-worker needs help lifting a battery, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so use teamwork when necessary.
Overall, lithium-ion batteries possess many benefits that are difficult to ignore. Now that you know three reasons why lithium-ion batteries make your forklift safer, consider purchasing one the next time you see any forklift battery sales taking place in your community.
