Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Houston

Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries

The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe compared to diesel and gas 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.



Manufacturing

Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can cause various types of health issues to human beings and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that can 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 kinds of vehicle or a forklift, sparks, smoking, flames and heat must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.



Sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in 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 anybody 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 could be reused in new batteries. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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