Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually safer and more stable than gas and diesel powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric forklifts can be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated 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 referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can lead to different types of health issues to living beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to humans and the natural environment.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, smoking, sparks, flames and heat must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper 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.