Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Oakland

Environmental Concerns About Electric Lift Truck Batteries

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



Manufacturing

The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to a range of health issues to human beings and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which could cause damage to human beings and the natural world.



Regular Use and Storage

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



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



Disposal

Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the United States include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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