Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is generally considered more stable and safe than gas and diesel powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards however. 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 disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it could lead to different kinds of health issues to people and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is very detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to both the natural world and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. 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 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 result in chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can spray or leak, potentially burning anyone 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. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought in the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.