Environmental Issues About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually safer and more stable than gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric lift trucks could be dangerous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can lead to different types of health problems to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to both human beings and the natural environment.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, flames, heat, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone 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 can be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.