Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more stable and safe compared to diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards however. 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 connected with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can result in a range of health issues to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which could cause damage to human beings and the environment.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. 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 could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with 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 anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.