Environmental Problems Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are generally safer and more stable than diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. On the other hand, electric lift trucks can be dangerous, also. 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 associated with the use, manufacture, disposal and storage of rechargeable batteries for lift trucks.
Manufacturing
Most lift truck batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are known as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is a toxin that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to the quality of water due to drainage and runoff. When lead enters a water system it can cause different kinds of health issues to living beings and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in forklift batteries is very detrimental to skin and can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces toxic fumes which can cause damage to both humans and the natural environment.
Regular Storage and Use
Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, smoking, sparks, flames and heat should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen can lead to 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 punctured or damaged, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid can either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To avoid the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries purchased or sold within the United States include a "core charge" that will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.