Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric lift trucks are usually safer and more stable than diesel and gas powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nevertheless, electric forklifts can be dangerous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are hazards associated with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all 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 that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can lead to a variety of health issues to human beings and could even lead to death. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes that could cause damage to both the natural world and to human beings.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries could 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 should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can lead to an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries could result in chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a problem 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
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries should always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or bought within the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.