Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
Electric forklifts are normally safer and more stable than diesel and gas powered forklifts. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric lift trucks could be dangerous, too. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the environment as well as to personal safety. There are risks associated with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Most forklift 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 because of runoff and drainage. Once lead enters a water system it could cause a range of health issues to human beings and can even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is harmful to skin and could result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to both the environment and to humans.
Regular Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a forklift or any other kinds of vehicle, heat, flames, smoking and sparks must be kept well away from the recharging site. The combustible hydrogen could lead to an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause 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 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 could either be neutralized or recycled. To be able to prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold in the United States include a "core charge" that would just be returned if the used battery is turned in.