Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, that are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to various types of health problems to people and can 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 that could cause damage to humans and the natural world.
Normal Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other types of vehicle, heat, flames, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could result in 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 a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.