Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more stable and safe compared to diesel and gas 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 however. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
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 a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to different kinds of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to humans and the natural environment.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can 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 could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.