Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards however. 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 connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it could result in various types of health problems to living beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to the environment and to human beings.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, flames, heat, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could lead to 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 a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the United States include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.