Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric lift trucks 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. However, electric lift trucks could be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Most forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to various types of health problems to human beings and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and could cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which could cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Normal Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any kinds of vehicle or a forklift, sparks, smoking, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is punctured or damaged, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To be able 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 will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.