Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally more stable and safer compared to gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric lift trucks can be dangerous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can cause a range of health problems to human beings and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to the environment and to human beings.
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, flames, heat, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper 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 can either be recycled or neutralized. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.