Environmental Concerns About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
The electric lift truck is generally considered more stable and safe compared to gas and diesel 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 though. 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 disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a solution of sulfuric acid, which are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, 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 result in various types of health issues to people and can even lead to death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is really harmful to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes that can cause damage to both human beings and the natural environment.
Normal Use and Storage
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, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could lead to 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 anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled properly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.