Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more stable and safe compared to gas and diesel powered internal combustion 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 power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the environment. There are risks associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can result in a variety of health issues to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which could cause damage to humans and the environment.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a lift truck, flames, heat, sparks and smoking must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns if it comes into contact with 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 could either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.