Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually safer and more stable than diesel and gas powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric lift trucks can be hazardous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Nearly all 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 that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to a range of health problems to human beings and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to the natural world and to human beings.
Normal Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other types of vehicle, heat, flames, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the 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 punctured or damaged, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must 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 improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.