Environmental Concerns About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more stable and safe compared to diesel and gas 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks connected with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all 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 water quality due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can cause different types of health problems to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both the natural environment and to human beings.
Normal Storage and Use
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, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. 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 should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To be able to prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.