Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually 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 lift trucks could be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal 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 known as 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 cause various types of health problems to human beings and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that can cause damage to the environment and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, flames, heat, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a problem 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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should 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. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.