Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more stable and safe than 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 though. 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 hazards connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it could cause a range of health issues to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to the environment and to human beings.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.