Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas 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 personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks connected with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can cause a range of health problems to people and could even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which could cause damage to both humans and the natural environment.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, heat, flames, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can lead to 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 damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.