Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are usually more stable and safer than diesel and gas powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
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 a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to different kinds of health issues to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to both the environment and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect 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.