Environmental Problems About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could cause various kinds of health problems to living beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which could cause damage to the natural world and to humans.
Normal Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a lift truck, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.