Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is usually 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 however. 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 associated with the use, manufacture, 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 used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it can lead to a range of health issues to people and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that could cause damage to both the environment and to humans.
Regular 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 place. The combustible hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not an issue 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 improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.