Environmental Issues Regarding Electric Forklift Batteries
The electric forklift is usually considered more safe and stable compared to gas and diesel powered IC engines. Both diesel and gas engines pose a fire risk and emit harmful exhaust toxins. The electric forklift is not without is hazards however. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to personal safety as well as to the natural world. There are risks associated with the storage, disposal, use and manufacture of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
Nearly all forklift batteries are made by placing lead plates into a solution of sulfuric acid. These are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic which, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality because of drainage and runoff. Once lead enters a water system it can cause different types of health problems to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid utilized in forklift batteries is really detrimental to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces harmful fumes which could cause damage to the environment and to human beings.
Normal Use and Storage
Lead-acid batteries could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct when recharging. When recharging batteries for any types of vehicle or a lift truck, sparks, smoking, heat and flames must be kept well away from the recharging place. The flammable hydrogen can cause an explosion if ignited by flame or heat.
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 spray or leak, potentially burning anybody who is nearby.
Disposal
Disposing of lead-acid batteries improperly should be avoided at all costs. The sulfuric acid could either be recycled or neutralized or could be reused in new batteries. To be able to avoid the serious environmental consequences of incorrect disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" which will just be returned if the used battery is turned in.