Battery Powered Work Vehicles

ADVISORY

BATTERY POWERED WORK VEHICLES

Calicorp, Inc.

Lead-acid battery electrolyte consists mainly of distilled water and sulfuric acid. Due to constant contact with lead plates in the battery, lead is released and also becomes a part of the electrolyte solution, or settles to the bottom of the battery jar.

When a spill occurs, the electrolyte is released and comes in contact with the floor. The floors in most industrial applications are usually concrete. As the electrolyte soaks into the concrete, the sulfuric acid begins to react with the alkaline components in the concrete.

Eventually the acid overcomes the alkalinity of the concrete and begins to attack the composition of the concrete. The cement loses strength and the concrete crumbles. The lead in the electrolyte is carried along into the concrete and heavy metal contamination occurs.

As the water dissipates and evaporates, the acid strength increases, possibly reaching over 90 percent in low humidity environments. If the acid reaches the reinforcement bars embedded in the concrete, the bars will corrode weakening the entire structure. It is possible that the lead may eventually leach into the ground and water table, thereby become a source of serious environmental pollution.

Movement of batteries to and from charging stations, frequent filling and the deep-charging cycles that many industrial batteries undergo creates situations where spills will eventually occur. The inevitable spill can be safely controlled and contained so that the building and equipment, the environment and personnel remain safe and free from damage.

Many battery powered vehicles, such as forklifts are powered by batteries that can contain as causes these vehicles and their charging facilities to fall under the authority of the fire code as well as OSHA and the EPA.

This example shows the floors of a forklift charging area that have been coated to keep spilled electrolyte from attacking and damaging concrete. Neutralizing pillows are tucked under the charging stations to intercept, absorb and neutralize spills as they occur.