Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually safer and more stable compared to gas and diesel powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin 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 various kinds of health issues to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to the natural world and to human beings.
Normal Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns. This is not a problem 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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.