Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric lift trucks could be dangerous, also. 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 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 a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can result in different kinds of health issues to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
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 forklift, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the United States include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.