Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Corpus Christi

Environmental Issues About Electric Lift Truck Batteries

Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer than gas and diesel powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric forklifts can be dangerous, also. 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 associated with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.



Manufacturing

The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can result in a range of health problems to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to the environment and to human beings.



Regular Storage and Use

When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, smoking, sparks, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.



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



Disposal

Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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