Environmental Issues About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas 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 source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, that are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can cause different types of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to both human beings and the environment.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other types of vehicle, sparks, smoking, flames and heat must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns if it touches the 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 anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.