Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally more stable and safer than 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 can be hazardous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards connected with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized 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 issues to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which could cause damage to human beings and the natural world.
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 kinds of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.