Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric lift trucks could be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to a variety of health problems to people and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to both human beings and the natural world.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, smoking, sparks, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To be able to prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the United States include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.