Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally 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 forklift is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards 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 called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can cause different kinds of health problems to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is really harmful to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to the natural environment and to human beings.
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, flames, heat, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.