Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are usually more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric forklifts could be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The majority of 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 which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. 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 lift truck batteries is really detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to human beings and the environment.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could 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 can 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 neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.