Environmental Problems About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric forklift is generally considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas powered IC 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 power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can result in different kinds of health problems to people and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, flames, heat, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause 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 anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.