Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Austin

Environmental Concerns About Electric Lift Truck Batteries

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



Manufacturing

Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to a variety of health issues to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that can cause damage to humans and the environment.



Normal Use and Storage

Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, flames, heat, smoking and sparks 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 comes into contact with bare skin. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone 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 could either be neutralized or recycled. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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