Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is usually 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 source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks connected with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can cause a variety of health issues to human beings and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, smoking, sparks, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
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 could 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 can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the United States include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.