Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift Phoenix

Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries

The electric lift truck is generally considered more stable and safe than gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards connected with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.



Manufacturing

The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are referred to 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. Once lead enters a water system it can lead to various types of health problems to people and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that could cause damage to both the natural environment and to humans.



Normal Storage and Use

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



If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in 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 anyone who is nearby.



Disposal

Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should 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 prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the United States include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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