Use these tips to reduce accidents in your forklift battery charging station

Nell Browne, registered Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner says you need to consider the safety of your employees when setting up up a fork lift battery charging station.

How do you go about doing this?

Follow these safety tips to eliminate accidents in your forklift battery charging station

Browne recommends you follow these safety rules:

• Prohibit smoking in the charging area.
• Take precautions to prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery charging areas.
• Comply with ventilation requirements to prevent the build-up of explosive hydrogen gas emitted by batteries during charging.
• Keep the exhaust system separate from the general ventilation system so no contaminated air is re-circulated.
• Consider installing an indicator light or alarm to alert operators if the ventilation system stops working.
• Install flooring that resists acid damage, use acid- or alkali-resistant and electrostatic paint where appropriate.
• Place safety equipment like goggles, chemical resistant gloves and aprons where employees can easily grab them before they get to the battery handling area.
• Make sure the path to the eye-wash station is kept clear of obstructions.
• Ensure employees have steel toe safety boots.
• Train employees on the safe procedures for maintaining batteries. They need to know things like the fact that acid is always added to water and NEVER water to acid.
• The battery (or compartment) cover must be open to dissipate heat during charging.
• Use the correct tools and follow proper procedures when moving batteries. This'll ensure the battery remains stable and doesn't fall.
• Keep batteries off the floor.
• Have acid neutralizers handy to clean up any acid spills.
• Consider safety when choosing battery changing and charging equipment.

With these tips you'll be sure to reduce accidents in your forklift battery charging station.