Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are generally safer and more stable compared to gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric forklifts can be hazardous, also. 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 hazards connected with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are called 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. When lead enters a water system it can lead to a variety of health problems to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both the environment and to humans.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.