In the modern logistics and warehousing industry, forklifts, as an important handling tool, are increasingly using lithium batteries as a power source. Lithium batteries are gradually replacing traditional lead-acid batteries with their advantages of high efficiency and environmental protection. However, as with any new technology application, lithium forklift batteries bring convenience and efficiency improvement, but also accompanied by certain safety risks, in which the risk of fire is particularly prominent. It is important to understand how to prevent forklift lithium battery fire hazards and the correct use of forklift lithium battery fire extinguishers.
Over-charging and over-discharging: Li-ion batteries, when over-charged or over-discharged, can lead to an imbalance in the chemical reaction inside the battery, generating a large amount of heat, which can lead to a fire. For example, connecting the charger for a long time and not equipped with an intelligent charge management system is prone to overcharging; while forklift trucks that continue to work even when the power is extremely low may lead to over-discharging.
Short circuit: Short circuit inside or outside the battery is one of the common causes of fire. Damage to the diaphragm inside the battery may cause direct contact between the positive and negative terminals, resulting in an internal short-circuit; external wires are broken, improperly connected, etc. may also lead to a short-circuit, which instantly generates high temperatures and ignites flammable substances around the battery.
High-temperature environment: When the forklift is operated or stored in a high-temperature environment, the heat dissipation performance of the lithium battery will be affected. When the battery temperature is too high, its internal chemical reaction speed up, may produce gas accumulation, increasing the risk of fire.
Mechanical damage: Forklift trucks are inevitably subject to collision and extrusion in daily operations. If the lithium battery is subjected to strong mechanical impact, the battery shell may rupture, the internal electrolyte leakage, and it is easy to trigger combustion after contact with the air.
Correct charging management: Equipped with intelligent charging system, the system can automatically monitor the charging status of the battery and stop charging automatically when the battery is full to avoid overcharging. At the same time, make a reasonable charging plan to avoid charging only when the battery power is too low to prevent over-discharge.
Regular inspection and maintenance: Regularly carry out a comprehensive inspection of the forklift lithium battery, including whether the battery shell is broken and deformed, whether the wires are firmly connected, and whether there is abnormal heat inside the battery. For the problems found, repair or replace the damaged parts in time. At the same time, regularly clean up the dust and debris on the surface of the battery to maintain good heat dissipation performance of the battery.
Optimize the operating environment: Try to avoid forklift trucks operating in high temperature, humidity or flammable and explosive substances. If it can't be avoided, corresponding protective measures should be taken, such as installing heat dissipation devices and using explosion-proof equipment.
Safe driving operation: Forklift drivers should receive professional training and familiarize themselves with the operation specifications and safety precautions of forklifts. During the driving process, avoid drastic operations such as sharp acceleration, sharp braking and sharp turning to reduce the impact on the battery. At the same time, care should be taken to avoid collision between the forklift and other objects to protect the battery from mechanical damage.
When the unfortunate occurrence of forklift lithium battery fire, the correct selection and use of fire extinguishers is critical.
1. Type of fire extinguisher: For lithium battery fire, you should choose a special fire extinguisher, such as dry powder fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers or lithium battery fire extinguishers. Dry powder fire extinguishers can effectively isolate oxygen, inhibit the combustion reaction; carbon dioxide fire extinguishers by reducing the temperature and isolation of oxygen to extinguish the fire; lithium battery fire extinguishers are specially designed for the characteristics of lithium batteries, fire extinguishing effect is better.
2. Usage: Before using the fire extinguisher, ensure your own safety, stand in the upwind direction, away from the fire source in an appropriate position. Remove the safety pin of the fire extinguisher, hold the nozzle, press the handle against the root of the flame, and evenly spray the extinguishing agent until the flame is completely extinguished. In the process of extinguishing the fire, closely observe the changes in the fire to prevent re-ignition. Preventing forklift lithium battery fire needs to start from many aspects, including proper charging management, regular inspection and maintenance, optimized operating environment and safe driving operation. At the same time, understanding and correctly selecting and using forklift lithium battery fire extinguishers, when the fire occurs can quickly take effective fire extinguishing measures to reduce losses. Only in this way can we ensure the safe use of forklift lithium batteries and provide a strong guarantee for the efficient operation of the logistics and warehousing industry.
BSLBATT is a technologically advanced and reliable manufacturer of lithium batteries for forklift trucks, with the strictest safety and quality requirements for all components to ensure that our lithium batteries have the best performance and the longest cycle life possible, but we are still asked by our customers: what should we do if our lithium batteries catch fire?
For this problem, our engineers after continuous research and development in the BMS installed automatic fire extinguishing device, if the battery accidentally caught fire, it will automatically extinguish the fire, you can rest assured that the use of lithium batteries in the forklift.
