Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift San Antonio

Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries

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



Manufacturing

Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could cause a range of health issues to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that could cause damage to the natural world and to humans.



Regular Storage and Use

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



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



Disposal

Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the United States include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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