Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more safe and stable than gas and diesel powered internal combustion engines. Both gas and diesel 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 power source, and batteries could present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the storage, disposal, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
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 a toxin which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it could cause various types of health problems to human beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that could cause damage to human beings and the natural world.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a forklift, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it come into contact with bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can 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 could 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 recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. In order to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased within the U.S. include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.