How to properly care for batteries?
Wear protective equipment when handling batteries including gloves, eyewear and hardhat. Gloves and protective eye gear are to guard against battery acid while a hard hat is important during the lifting process in case a battery swings or falls. 6. Batteries can be dangerous when mishandled.
What gear do you wear to pick up a battery?
Gloves and protective eye gear are to guard against battery acid while a hard hat is important during the lifting process in case a battery swings or falls. 6. Batteries can be dangerous when mishandled.
What safety equipment should an employer provide to handle battery changes?
In addition to the safety equipment addressed above, employers should provide battery handling equipment that makes battery changes easy for personnel. The full line of BHS Battery Extractors allows personnel to safely change forklift batteries of virtually any size.
How can I protect myself in a battery room?
For personnel who handle forklift batteries, this might include an acid-resistant apron, boots, and gloves, along with a face shield and goggles designed to resist chemical splashes. The BHS Personal Protective Kit is a good example of personal protective equipment that can keep battery room personnel safe.
What to wear when working with batteries?
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES OR A FACE SHIELD WHEN WORKING NEAR BATTERIES....Battery acidCorrosive – will cause serious burns to skin, eyes and clothing. ... Flammable – contact with most metals will release flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.More items...
What is the correct PPE to wear when charging a battery?
According to OSHA 1910.132, employers must provide adequate personal protective equipment. For personnel who handle forklift batteries, this might include an acid-resistant apron, boots, and gloves, along with a face shield and goggles designed to resist chemical splashes.
Which of the following PPE should be used when working on or around batteries?
Personal protective equipment rubber gloves and overalls, or apron protective equipment, if the battery is cracked or otherwise damaged. safety goggles or a face shield when working on or charging batteries.
What should be worn when working with a battery forklift?
Wear splash-proof goggles and protective clothing (gloves and aprons). A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary when handling sulfuric acid in an open system.
Why do we need to follow the precautionary measures and safety procedures when working with batteries?
Lead-acid batteries contain hydrogen-oxygen gases that can be explosive, and sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns. To help avoid danger and injury, observe these precautions when handling or working with a lead-acid battery.
Does smoke interfere with battery charging?
Smoking should never be allowed in or near the charging area. Open flames, sparks, and electric arcs also need to be eliminated near workers recharging or changing batteries.
Why should you open the battery compartment during charging?
The vent caps dissipate heat during charging and allow small volumes of gas mixtures to escape. If the vent caps are left off, a large volume of hydrogen gas could escape and build up, creating a greater explosive hazard. It is clear however, that battery compartment covers must remain open during charging.
What to wear when handling batteries?
5. Wear protective equipment when handling batteries including gloves, eyewear and hardhat. Gloves and protective eye gear are to guard against battery acid while a hard hat is important during the lifting process in case a battery swings or falls. 6. Batteries can be dangerous when mishandled.
What are the precautions to take when handling batteries?
1. Avoid bringing metal into contact with batteries. This includes metal tools and hoist chain as well as personal items such as jewelry, watches and belts.
Is it dangerous to touch batteries?
6. Batteries can be dangerous when mishandled. Not only are these batteries large and heavy objects that can cause severe injury and damage if dropped, battery acid is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns to the skin or corrode equipment that it comes into contact with. Likewise, touching batteries without proper equipment and preparation can result in high-voltage electric shocks.
Can you use both terminals at the same time?
2. Never allow both terminals to make contact with an item (particularly yourself) simultaneously. When both terminals are engaged, an electrical current will pass through anything touching them.
Is touching a battery dangerous?
Also, touching the battery proves a danger as it may lead to electrical shock or bring the worker into contact with corrosive battery acid. 4. Practice safe and appropriate lifting procedures. Do not bring unprotected hands into contact with the battery throughout the moving process.
What is the most important piece of safety equipment for battery room personnel?
While it sounds cliché, the training manual is the most important piece of safety equipment for battery room personnel. Regular training is essential, and whether batteries are changed by lift truck operators or by designated battery room staff, training will eliminate most hazards.
Why is it important to label battery rooms?
Clearly labeling potential hazards can help prevent an accident, and marking locations of safety equipment with bold signage encourages a quicker response if mishaps do occur. The importance of signage in the battery room is reflected by the standards and regulations that require clear labeling. For more information on using signs and postings in battery rooms, refer to our previous post on the subject.
What are the dangers of battery room?
Battery room hazards are usually related to four specific issues: the great weight of the batteries, the corrosive electrolyte in flooded lead/acid cells, electrical current at terminals and within cells, and the potentially explosive gasses generated by the charging process.
What is the OSHA standard for forklift training?
Ongoing training in all aspects of forklift operation is required by OSHA 1910.178, the regulation that governs powered industrial trucks. OSHA standard 1910.178 (l) (3) (i) (k) specifically requires forklift training programs to address the charging and recharging of batteries for electric fleets. Employers must also provide personnel ...
Why is air quality important in battery charging?
– Air quality is particularly important in battery rooms, since the charging process creates hydrogen that can quickly build to dangerous concentrations. Adequate venting is crucial (along with signage that tells personnel not to smoke or bring open flames into the area).Trade journal Modern Materials Handling reports that a hydrogen concentration of just four percent creates an explosion risk. To avoid reaching this point, hydrogen detectors paired with reliable venting equipment, such as the BHS Battery Room Ventilation System, should be employed in all battery charging areas.
What is the OSHA standard for eyewash stations?
Eye wash stations should be available in every battery room for immediate flushing in case of contact with acid or electrolyte, as required by OSHA standard 1910.151 (c) .The best practices for installing and maintaining flushing stations are detailed by the American National Standards Institute in ANSI Z358.1. Consult this document for more details.
Why use safety equipment for electric forklifts?
Safety equipment allows for a safe and productive battery room — and a better work environment for employees.