The unique power demands of forklift battery rooms create singular electrical hazards. Electricians can’t simply cut power to the system and proceed without caution; batteries remain energized even when separated from charging systems. Additionally, unless the battery room was designed with working clearance and guarding around all live components, it can be a particularly dangerous place for workers to enter…. Continue Reading
The effects of the 2018 tariffs enacted by the Trump White House have already begun to reshape global commerce. As of this writing, the U.S. steel industry is celebrating a 41-percent benchmark price hike since the start of the year. Producers, meanwhile, are cutting manufacturing costs and raising prices to offset the new expense on raw materials. Consumer prices have… Continue Reading
Every retailer has a peak season, and distribution centers are no different. Certainly, the peak can differ between one outlet and another — an office-supply store may experience peak season during the final days of the summer, when parents stock up for back-to-school season, while most general ecommerce DCs brace for the winter holidays. Whenever peak-to-average order ratios soar, it’s… Continue Reading
Automotive manufacturing facilities have long been at the forefront of lean manufacturing — after all, the practice was born out of Toyota’s process of continual improvement, or kaizen. But unlike some other sectors, many auto manufacturers are choosing not to go forklift-free to achieve their goals. That’s because automakers have discovered how to become leaner without sacrificing the muscle of… Continue Reading
June 29, 2018 — St. Louis, MO — BHS, Inc., a leading provider of forklift battery handling solutions and warehouse equipment, is improving a crucial component in their established line of forklift Battery Lifting Beams. The swing gate hook assembly, which secures batteries to the beam for safe lifting, will be replaced by load-lok hooks beginning July 1. “The lock latch works better and is easier to use than the old style,” said Melissa Bowen of BHS Marketing. “Our engineers are always looking for ways to improve existing products, so when they found a better hook, they moved quickly to make the change.” Battery Lifting Beams attach to Gantry Cranes to create a safer, more stable grip on forklift batteries… Continue Reading
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses industrial battery changing in Parts 1910 and 1926. More specifically, 29 CFR 1910.178(g) and 29 CFR 1910.305(j)(7) address changing and storage of industrial batteries while 29 CFR 1926.441 lists required safety measures during charging. Here’s a summary of the federal code. The Battery-Changing Procedure The change-out itself can be a dangerous process… Continue Reading
