Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck 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 environment. There are hazards connected with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can result in various types of health problems to people and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is very harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to the natural environment and to humans.
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 forklift, flames, heat, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anybody 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 neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the United States include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.