How Lithium-Ion Batteries Make Industrial Workplaces Safer

Working in any sort of industrial environment comes with some specific risks. Factories, warehouses, shipping districts, and manufacturing plants require people to constantly move around and use a lot of heavy equipment. Fortunately, a few small changes regarding your equipment can help increase your team’s efficiency, boost productivity, and reduce on-the-job accidents, making things better for everyone. Consider how lithium-ion batteries make industrial workplaces safer and how these changes can benefit your employees and the overall productivity of your business.

Common Uses for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Different workplaces use lithium batteries in distinct ways, but almost every jobsite incorporates these batteries in some way. Many businesses commonly use this type of battery in smaller devices, such as tablets, handheld scanners, and communication devices like smartphones or two-way radios.

However, it’s increasingly common to use lithium batteries for heavy equipment in industrial workspaces. Depending on the workplace environment, companies may utilize electric pallet jacks, floor sweepers and scrubbers, scissor lifts, and forklifts. All of these devices operate on battery power, so understanding the importance of the batteries inside these machines makes it easier to create a safer, more productive work environment.

Advantages of Lithium-Ion Batteries

When looking at battery options for your industrial workplace, you need to consider more than the safety aspect. Lithium-ion batteries have several distinct advantages over the more traditional lead-acid models that help keep your workplace safer and more efficient.

Lithium-ion batteries charge faster than other types of batteries and generally require little to no maintenance. In addition, these batteries have a higher charge cycle capacity, which means you can charge and discharge them more throughout their lifespan, reducing the need for replacement batteries. On top of that, lithium batteries generally last longer on a single cycle, decreasing any possible need to charge them in the middle of the day.

These advantages are primarily conveniences, but ones that aid safety in a way that companies might not expect. By reducing charging time and running longer, these batteries allow employees to operate equipment without rushing due to the stress of heavy time constraints. A less hectic schedule results in less panic, and a keener eye for detail allows workers to properly focus on the tasks at hand.

How Lithium-Ion Batteries Make Equipment Safer

There are many ways lithium-ion batteries make industrial workplaces safer, and much of it comes down to the beneficial functions and mechanics of the battery itself. Workplace accidents involving heavy equipment are some of the most prevalent, but maintaining safer equipment can help mitigate some of these risks.

Lithium-ion batteries are much less likely to overheat compared to older lead-acid models. When a lead-acid battery overcharges, it creates excess heat, and the electrolyte mixture forces oxygen and hydrogen to build up. This process is dangerous because if the battery doesn’t have proper ventilation, it may result in a fire, which can cause catastrophic damage to your equipment and your workplace.

Fortunately, lithium-ion batteries don’t have that issue. Since they have a cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator, lithium-ion batteries don’t require ventilation and don’t have the acids and chemicals that traditionally cause the overheating that poses a fire risk. On top of that, most modern lithium-ion batteries contain a built-in feature called the Battery Management System (BMS) that prevents the battery from overcharging, overheating, short circuiting, and more. Not only does this drastically reduce the risk of performance issues or other damage, but it extends the overall lifespan of the battery by limiting common damage associated with overcharging.

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are safer because they lack the internal chemicals that could cause damage to the battery when left unchecked. Many lead-acid batteries are at risk of sulfating, which is when hard lead-sulfate crystals form on the outside of the battery when deprived of a full charge. These crystals can cause lasting damage to the exterior of the battery and the equipment it’s in. Lithium-ion batteries do not form such crystals and won’t cause damage to equipment. Additionally, some companies, such as BigBattery, utilize an Anderson cable connection versus standard M8 terminals, creating an even more durable and protected power system.

How Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Safer for Workers

It’s always beneficial to think about the quality and safety of your equipment, but the health and safety of those operating the machinery is just as vital. By making the switch from lead-acid or gas to lithium-ion battery packs, companies can reduce a lot of potential accidents in the workplace.