Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric lift truck is usually considered more safe and stable compared to diesel and gas powered IC engines. Both gas and diesel 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 world as well as to personal safety. There are hazards connected with the disposal, storage, manufacture and use of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are called lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it can cause different kinds of health issues to people and can even cause death. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is detrimental to skin and can lead to severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes that can cause damage to humans and the natural world.
Regular 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 flammable hydrogen can result in an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can lead to chemical burns. This is not a problem during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries incorrectly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or can be reused in new batteries. 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.