Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel 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 can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural environment. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Nearly all lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could cause various types of health issues to human beings and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that could cause damage to the environment and to human beings.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, smoking, sparks, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in 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 can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that will only be returned if the used battery is turned in.