Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more stable and safe 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 however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of 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 which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could result in a variety of health problems to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which could cause damage to humans and the environment.
Normal Use and Storage
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, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. This is not an issue 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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.