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Five forklift safety hotspots on the manufacturing floor
Forklifts in manufacturing plants share space with production lines, fixed machinery, delivery trucks and people focused on their own tasks. That mix creates risk points that look different to a standard warehouse. Here are five areas worth reviewing with fresh eyes, along with the controls that make the biggest difference. 1. Battery charging bays Electric forklifts suit many manufacturing environments: no exhaust, lower noise and simpler maintenance. Their charging areas still need planning. Lead-acid batteries release hydrogen while charging, so charging bays need good ventilation and no ignition sources nearby. Battery electrolyte is corrosive, so provide eye protection, gloves, and an eyewash station within easy reach. Lithium-ion batteries remove the need for watering and reduce gassing, but they still need to be charged with the right equipment and to the…


