Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is generally considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The majority of forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it can cause different types of health issues to people and can even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is very detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both the 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 kinds of vehicle or a forklift, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can lead to 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 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
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled or can be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.