Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could 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 forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could result in various types of health issues to human beings and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is really detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, sparks and smoking should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.