Environmental Concerns About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks associated with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as 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. When lead enters a water system it can lead to a range of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a lift truck, heat, flames, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
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 punctured or damaged, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To be able to prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.