Tip Sheet: Take Charge of Batteries

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Washington (State). Department of Labor and Industries
• Description:
  A fully-charged battery keeps trucks and forklifts rolling. Charging is key to maintaining battery performance and life, but not without hazards. People forget about the dangers of weight, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen gas. These require proper handling and storage to prevent strains, burns, and explosions. You can greatly reduce these risks by following a few specific steps to make sure the job is done safely. A great way to start is by reviewing these battery charging area and servicing regulations and planning resources. TIPS TO LIVE BY Designate a room for chargers and batteries with outside ventilation to diffuse flammable hydrogen gases. Stock safety gear and battery handling equipment in the charging area, including: Impact barriers, fire extinguishers, and acid-neutralizing spill kits. Insulated tools, a conveyor, overhead hoist, or side extractor for forklift batteries. Remember Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): chemical-resistant face shields, aprons, and rubber gloves when handling and charging batteries. Make sure racks, trays, and floors are sturdy and acid-resistant. Post no smoking signs and keep the charging area clear of flames, spark, and arcing sources, including metallic tools and jewelry. An emergency shower and eyewash station must be located less than 50 feet from the charging area. Keep battery vent caps in place while moving batteries to prevent acid spray. Allow only trained employees to charge batteries. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Automobiles Burns Education Explosions Hazardous Substances Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Preventive Medicine Risk Assessment Risk Factors Rubber Safety Transportation Ventilation Workplace

  More +
• Keywords:
  Batteries Equipment Maintenance Equipment Reliability Face Shields Fire Extinguishers Flammable Gases Gloves Hazard Identification Hazards Injuries Injury Prevention Motor Vehicles Personal Protective Equipment PPE Preventive Measures Protective Measures Risk Factors Rubber Products Safety Equipment Safety Measures Safety Practices Sulfuric Acid Tools Transportation Industry Truck Drivers Trucking Work Environment Workers Worker Safety

  More +
• Publisher:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Lay Publication
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20062229
• Citation:
  Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 90-155-2021, 2021 Mar; :1
• CAS Registry Number:
  Hydrogen (CAS RN 1333-74-0) ; Sulfuric acid (CAS RN 7664-93-9)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2021
• Performing Organization:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Tip sheet: take charge of batteries
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:74d7ce800f5fe380697dc13e0da8f2f22a96d7a811cb11fac0fb0863bc58e91f4d5d74b93d211213b7e9f67e6b67e4b50c6c9be952d8b6a8ed98fc64907cc688
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/225520/cdc_225520_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 835.74 KB ]