Environmental Issues About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more safe and stable than gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas 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 power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Most forklift 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 used 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 people and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to the environment and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, flames, heat, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause 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 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 avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.