Environmental Problems About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are generally more stable and safer than gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric forklifts can be hazardous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could result in a range of health issues to human beings and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very detrimental to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to human beings and the natural world.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. 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
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. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.