Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric forklifts can be hazardous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could cause a range of health issues to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that can cause damage to both humans and the natural world.
Normal Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. 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 incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.