Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift El Paso

Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries

The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe than diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel 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 source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.



Manufacturing

The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to different types of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to both the natural environment and to human beings.



Regular Storage and Use

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



Sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not an issue 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

Improper 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 recycled or neutralized. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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