Environmental Concerns About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more stable and safe compared to 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 could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks associated with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can lead to different kinds of health problems to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to both the natural environment and to human beings.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable 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 could cause chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could spray or leak, 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 prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.