Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it can cause various types of health issues to human beings and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both the natural environment and to humans.
Normal 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 lift truck, smoking, sparks, flames and heat 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 cause chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, 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 should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.