Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift West Valley City

Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries

Electric lift trucks are generally more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric lift trucks can be dangerous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.



Manufacturing

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



Regular Use and Storage

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



If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.



Disposal

Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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