Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are usually more stable and safer compared to gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric lift trucks can be hazardous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks connected with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can cause a variety of health issues to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to both human beings and the environment.
Normal 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, flames and heat must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a problem 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 improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.