Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is generally considered more stable and safe than gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas 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 power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards associated with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Most lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could result in different types of health issues to human beings and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to the environment and to humans.
Normal Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, sparks, smoking, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. 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 could lead to chemical burns. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.