Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally safer and more stable compared to gas and diesel powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline 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 could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks connected with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The majority of lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to different types of health problems to people and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is very detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which could cause damage to humans and the natural world.
Regular Storage and Use
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, smoking, sparks, flames and heat must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the United States include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.