Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally more stable and safer than diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it could result in different types of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that can cause damage to both the environment and to human beings.
Normal Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
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 could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.