Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe compared to diesel and gas 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can 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
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can cause different kinds of health issues to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is very detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to both human beings and the environment.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, flames, heat, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns. 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 improperly must 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 incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.