Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could cause various types of health issues to living beings and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.