Most likely, you'll think of something like this:
● Lead-acid batteries are large and heavy
● Water frequently
● The charging process takes a long time
● It is very heavy
● Hazardous chemicals are present in this product
● In addition, toxic fumes are released.
● There are better options available.Batteries made of lithium-ion are none of these things.
Workplace safety is essential, especially in environments with heavy machinery.The rise of lithium-ion forklifts has also raised safety concerns compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.Allen of Toyota Material Handling and I discussed these issues.
The security of warehouses and distribution centers depends on the equipment and protocols used.There is an increasing need to understand whether lithium-ion forklifts increase or decrease risk as they become more common.
Allen, of Toyota Material Handling, is passionate about safety."Conventional battery replacements pose a serious threat. They can weigh up to a ton - and in some cases, literally do. Using machinery to replace them increases the risk of injuries, especially back injuries. We can significantly reduce these dangers with lithium-ion forklifts and frequent insertion with options. I'm all about eliminating risks wherever possible."
According to Allen, lead-acid batteries are like motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries are like cars when it comes to safety.Over a century has passed since motorcycles first appeared.Lead-acid batteries have also been around for more than a century.It's like riding a forklift on a vat of toxic sulfuric acid without any protection while riding a high-powered motorcycle.They might fail to meet contemporary safety expectations if they were launched today."
Lithium technology, on the other hand, adheres to modern safety standards. The majority of us use lithium-battery devices every day without incident, despite some rare reports in the media. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries explode much more frequently.
“Lithium-ion has a higher energy density and multiple layers of safety,” said Allen of Toyota Material Handling. As a first step, individual cells are tested for overcurrent and temperature differences before they are grouped into modules. Once they are grouped together, they are monitored for overcurrent and temperature differences. When a problem arises, the battery management system is designed to disconnect the battery. Before they are installed on the truck, the modules are carefully tested in protective trays to ensure their safety.
For more details, read: What do CE, IEC, and UL standards mean for BSLBATT® forklift lithium-ion batteries?
According to Allen, the BMS's ability to shut down the battery is critical.Short circuits in lead-acid batteries have caused fires in the past. Lithium batteries can be protected from this risk by deactivating the cable when not in use or charging."
Lithium-ion battery fires should not be treated like normal fires due to their combustion characteristics and toxic by-products, which differ from lead-acid battery fires.Lithium-ion batteries have the disadvantage that they are difficult to extinguish if a fire breaks out.Batteries reignite after the flame goes out due to their chemistry and energy. Re-ignition can last for hours in large battery packs because the smoke and gases produced are often corrosive.
(New Research) BSL BMS + Automatic Fire Extinguishing Device-BSL Lithium Battery Manufacturer
● Lithium-ion-powered vehicles should only be purchased from reputable suppliers.
● Follow the instructions of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) when using batteries and part numbers.
● To minimize smoke damage to production and storage, charging stations for lithium-ion battery vehicles should be located in fire-proof isolation rooms (rated for at least 60 minutes).
● For easy access from the outside, the charging room should be located on an exterior wall.
● Unless sprinkler protection is provided, the area used for battery charging should not exceed 50 ㎡ if a separate fire partition cannot be provided.
● In the event of a fire, charging areas should be located near exits so that vehicles can be evacuated outside.
● Never fix the charger directly to a combustible wall, such as a sandwich panel with plastic insulation.
● It is recommended that a clear area of at least 2 meters be maintained around battery chargers and charging equipment.Storage should not be done in this area.
● In addition, flammable materials should not be present above the vehicle and charger combination.Cables, ceiling materials, and so forth are included in this category.
● Cables and connectors should be kept off the floor by using load balancers (spring reels).
● I of a fire, signage should identify lithium-ion charging areas within the building so that first responders are aware of the hazards.
● It is imperative that emergency responders are trained to handle lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle fires.
● The general public should be informed that lithium-ion battery fires can produce toxic gases.
● Battery chargers and charging equipment should be kept at least 2 meters away from each other.
● It should not be stored in a room dedicated to charging.
● The area above the charging station should be free of combustible materials, such as cables and cable trays.
● A great way to maintain good housekeeping is to post signs indicating areas where charging is not allowed
● Batteries emit fumes that should not be inhaled.Remove flammable materials from the vicinity of the burning vehicle/battery if possible.
● We strongly recommend that if you wish to deviate from the above regulations, you contact one of our Risk Engineers for advice given the unpredictability of the intensity of lithium-ion fires, the toxic and corrosive fumes produced, and the risk of re-ignition after extinguishing.
Although lithium-ion technology is relatively new, it is entrenched in warehouses worldwide, said Allen.Combined with enhanced safety features, it is significantly safer than lead-acid batteries."
New technologies must be evaluated from a security perspective as the industry evolves.Safety protocols and practical applications make lithium-ion forklifts a step forward in ensuring safe warehouse operations.
