Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer than diesel and gas powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric lift trucks can be hazardous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, that are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it can result in various kinds of health problems to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, heat, flames, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.