Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could cause a range of health issues to people and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, flames, heat, smoking and sparks should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause 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 punctured or damaged, the acid can 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 could either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid 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.