Environmental Issues About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are generally safer and more stable compared to gas and diesel powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric forklifts could be hazardous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards 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 known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can cause various kinds of health problems to human beings and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to the environment and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, smoking, sparks, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.