Environmental Problems About Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more safe and stable than gas and diesel powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas 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 source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are hazards connected with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The majority of lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could result in different types of health issues to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to humans and the natural environment.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a lift truck, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
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
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 can either be recycled or neutralized. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.