Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are normally safer and more stable than gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric forklifts could 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 connected with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to 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 lead to a range of health problems to people and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that could cause damage to humans and the environment.
Regular Storage and Use
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, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. To be able to prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.