Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe than diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the use, manufacture, 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 called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could result in different kinds of health issues to living beings and could even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which could cause damage to humans and the environment.
Normal Use and Storage
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, flames, heat, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. 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 should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.