10 Must-Know Industrial Battery Maintenance Tips

Industrial battery safety should be a primary concern in warehouses and distribution centers.

Industrial batteries are not only heavy (up to 1,800 kg/4,000 lbs in some cases) but also contain corrosive chemicals, making them a workplace hazard in multiple ways. Only a deep understanding of safety issues and scientific maintenance can improve uptime and prevent accidents.

Properly maintaining a forklift battery can significantly increase its service life, thereby saving a huge amount of operating costs - because these batteries are not cheap, take care of your equipment and "take care" of your wallet at the same time.

In terms of maintenance, we have summarized some effective methods that can not only scientifically maintain equipment, but also ensure the safety of the workplace.

No matter which method is used, regular maintenance can improve the efficiency of the equipment and save certain worries in the future.

Risks and Prevention

Develop these 10 simple maintenance habits to extend the life of your battery and keep your workplace and yourself safe:

1 | Wear protective glasses and gloves

When performing battery maintenance, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including but not limited to gloves, face shield, and apron. If it accidentally comes into contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical advice promptly.

2 | Eliminate the source of sparks or flames

When charging a lead-acid battery, hydrogen and oxygen are emitted, and when maintenance is performed, a spark/flame has the potential to ignite the gases and cause the battery to explode.

3 | Stay away from metal tools or jewelry

If accidental contact occurs between the battery terminals and the ground frame or other terminals, non-insulated tools or jewelry may generate arcs, posing a certain risk. In addition, the temperature of gold and silver materials increases after contact, which may cause harm to the human body. Wearing gloves and using insulated tools for maintenance can effectively prevent the above situation from happening.

4 | Use caution when disassembling/moving lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries are heavy and pose a safety hazard when moved manually. Please use the battery holder or ensure sufficient force to remove/move the battery firmly and safely.

5 | Place neutralizing solution

A solution of baking soda and water neutralizes the acid in the electrolyte. Prepare neutralizing solution in advance and keep it near the workplace. If electrolyte is spilled, the solution can be used to clean the area immediately.

6 | Follow recommended charging practices for your battery technology

Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations on how to charge properly and make sure the charger provides the best algorithm to maximize battery life and power output.

7 | Perform routine forklift battery watering

Never use a garden hose to fill batteries, only use distilled or deionized water from a watering can, pitcher, or automatic watering system to properly fill batteries. Never fill batteries above the level indicator.

8 | Store in a cool, dry and ventilated place

If you store a large number of batteries, make sure the area is clear of any sources of heat, flames and sparks. Clearly post "No Smoking" and "Flammable" signs in the area.

9 | Make sure the battery vent cover is fully seated

A loose or improperly installed vent cover can leak electrolyte and expose the gases within the battery to conditions that could lead to an explosion.

10 | Set up a dedicated area for battery maintenance

Prevent accidents with a dedicated battery maintenance area with properly insulated tools, protective clothing, cleaning stations, ventilation and adequate work space.

By adopting scientific and reasonable maintenance techniques, the risk of accidents is reduced and uptime and productivity are increased.

In addition, lithium-ion batteries are safer and more reliable than lead-acid batteries, and have the advantages of fast and opportunistic charging, which can bring higher economic benefits to multi-shift production. For specific industries with higher safety requirements and multi-shift production sites, rational configuration of appropriate battery types can bring unexpected operational benefits to the company.

When in doubt, contact our service representatives for long, reliable battery life. We'll help you keep equipment performance strong so your supply chain keeps moving forward.