Environmental Concerns About Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric lift trucks are usually more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered forklifts. Diesel and gasoline engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric lift trucks could be hazardous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the natural environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks connected with the use, manufacture, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
The forklift battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, which are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when utilized in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to different kinds of health problems to living beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and could lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which can cause damage to both the environment and to humans.
Regular Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns if it comes into contact with bare skin. 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
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly must be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of wrong disposal, all lead-acid batteries sold or purchased in the United States include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.