Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Portland

Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries

The electric lift truck is usually considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered internal combustion 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 source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.



Manufacturing

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



Regular Use and Storage

When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, 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 flame or heat.



If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.



Disposal

Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the United States include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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