Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more stable and safe than gas and diesel 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 however. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could result in different kinds of health problems to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is really harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
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 types of vehicle, flames, heat, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns. This is not a problem 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 could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.