Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is usually 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 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 risks associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, that are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to a range of health problems to living beings and could even result in death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to humans and the environment.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other types of vehicle, heat, flames, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could cause 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 an issue 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 should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.