Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe than diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards connected with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are referred to as 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. When lead enters a water system it could result in different kinds of health issues to living beings and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, smoking, sparks, flames and heat must be kept well away from the recharging place. 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 cause chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.