Forklift battery safety

In any warehouse, forklift battery maintenance presents a number of hazards in the battery room that warehouse personnel should be aware of. This is especially true when charging a lead-acid battery, as the charging process produces hydrogen, a gas that is undetectable by the human senses.

Accumulation of hydrogen gas in the air threatens battery room safety. The most common threats are explosion or fire, which are potential risks if the concentration of hydrogen gas in the air reaches 4.1% or greater. At its highest concentration, hydrogen gas is an asphyxiant, preventing one from breathing.