Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards though. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are risks connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck 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 which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to different types of health issues to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which could cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could cause chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled or could be reused in new batteries. In order to prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.