Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more safe and stable than 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 though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks connected with the disposal, storage, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as 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 lead to various kinds of health problems to people and could even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to human beings and the environment.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with 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 anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. In order to prevent 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.