Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally more stable and safer than diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric forklifts could be dangerous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic 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 a variety of health issues to people and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to humans and the natural world.
Normal Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not an issue 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
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.