Warehouses everywhere rely heavily on the successful maintenance and operation of its forklifts — and especially the batteries that keep these forklifts running. That’s why the lift truck battery room is a central part of day-to-day operations at pretty much every warehouse in America.

But if your warehouse personnel aren’t performing the proper procedures for forklift battery management — especially in processes like charging and washing — the results can be inefficient in terms of both time and money. To prevent losses like these, it’s essential to remind all personnel of the necessary practices that go into regular forklift battery handling.

Here’s a quick guide to the three battery room best practices for proper forklift battery washing every time:

Safety first

Personnel should never work in the lift truck battery room without wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) — as failing to do so can result in serious injury. All warehouse personnel should be required to wear goggles, aprons, gloves, face protection and steel-toe boots before working around a forklift battery.

Pay attention to water

Forklift batteries contain corrosive chemicals and heavy metals like lead — so as a result, it’s essential to make sure the right water is used when washing it. Personnel should only wash forklift batteries with a mixture of five parts water, one part baking soda. In addition, the water should be distilled water free of minerals.

Consider investing in wash equipment

As mentioned before, forklift batteries can be highly hazardous. Washing these batteries by hand increases the chance of a dangerous accident taking place that could harm personnel. Because of this, it’s never a bad idea to consider getting a forklift battery washing cabinet that can do all the washing perfectly each time. It may cost money to purchase one, but it will save tons of time in the long run and boost worker productivity.

How else do you help ensure correct forklift battery maintenance in your warehouse? Share with us and your fellow readers by leaving a comment below. Find more.