Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is normally considered more stable and safe 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 natural environment. There are risks associated with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could result in a range of health issues to human beings and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to humans and the natural world.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. 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 anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should 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 improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.