Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Fresno

Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries

The electric forklift is usually considered more stable and safe compared to diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards connected with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.



Manufacturing

Most lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to various types of health problems to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is really detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to both human beings and the natural world.



Regular Storage and Use

When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.



Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.



Disposal

Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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