Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer compared to gas and diesel powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards connected with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are referred to as 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 problems to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is really harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to humans and the environment.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, smoking, sparks, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. This is not a concern 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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.