Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric lift trucks are generally safer and more stable compared to diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric lift trucks can be dangerous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the manufacture, use, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of 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 which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can result in various types of health issues to people and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that could cause damage to both the environment and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other types of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns. This is not a problem 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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the United States include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.