Jungheinrich Warehouse Forklift San Francisco

Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries

The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe compared to 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks associated with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.



Manufacturing

The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin 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 can cause a range of health issues to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which could cause damage to both human beings and the natural environment.



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 forklift, heat, flames, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.



Sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause 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 should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.

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