Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Mesa

Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries

The electric lift truck is normally considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas 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 manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.



Manufacturing

The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are called 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 could cause a variety of health problems to human beings and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which could cause damage to both human beings and the natural world.



Regular Storage and Use

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



If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, 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 should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. To be able to prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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