Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer compared to gas and diesel powered lift trucks. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. Nonetheless, electric lift trucks can be hazardous, as well. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries can present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin which, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could cause a variety of health problems to human beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in lift truck batteries is very detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both human beings and the natural world.
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 lift truck, sparks, smoking, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns if it touches the bare skin. This is not a concern during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid can leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Improper 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 be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the United States include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.