Environmental Problems About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more stable and safe than diesel and gas powered internal combustion 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 can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could cause different kinds of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that could cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, flames, heat, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled correctly 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 incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.