Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are usually more stable and safer than gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
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 that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could cause various types of health issues to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to both human beings and the natural world.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other types of vehicle, smoking, sparks, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can cause 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 can leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.