Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas 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 the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift 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 used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it can cause a range of health problems to living beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to the natural environment and to humans.
Normal Storage and Use
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, flames, heat, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns. 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
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.