Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally 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 can be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can lead to a variety of health issues to human beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world 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 forklift, heat, flames, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with 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 punctured or damaged, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.