Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe than gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can cause a variety of health issues to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to the natural environment and to human beings.
Normal Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can 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 can leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.