Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe than 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 could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can lead to a variety of health issues to living beings and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a lift truck, flames, heat, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can 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 punctured or damaged, the acid could spray or leak, 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 wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.