Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is normally considered more stable and safe compared to gas and diesel 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 could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are hazards associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The forklift 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 that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could lead to a variety of health problems to living beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to the natural environment and to humans.
Normal Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries should be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be neutralized or recycled. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.