Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift San Jose

Environmental Problems About Electric Lift Truck Batteries

The electric lift truck is usually considered more stable and safe compared to gas and diesel powered IC 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 can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards connected with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.



Manufacturing

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



Normal Storage and Use

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



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 punctured or damaged, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.



Disposal

Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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