Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally more stable and safer compared to gas and diesel powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric forklifts can be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it can lead to a variety of health problems to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause chemical burns. 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 anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.