Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are normally safer and more stable compared to gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric lift trucks could be dangerous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could result in a variety of health issues to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which could cause damage to humans and the environment.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, flames, heat, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.