Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer than gas and diesel powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric forklifts can be hazardous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries could present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The majority of forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could cause various types of health problems to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to the environment and to human beings.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other types of vehicle, flames, heat, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. This is not a problem 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 must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" which would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.