Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are normally safer and more stable compared to gas and diesel powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards associated with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can result in a range of health issues to living beings and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which could cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, 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 neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.