Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more safe and stable than diesel and gas powered internal combustion engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric lift truck is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their source of power, and batteries can present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The majority of lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a sulfuric acid solution. These are called 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 can cause a range of health issues to people and could even result in death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to both the natural environment and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging place. The combustible hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries could lead to chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.