Battery Charging

INTRODUCTION

Lead-acid industrial batteries are used in two main applications –

(i) Motive power - to drive/power fork lift trucks etc.

(ii) Standby power - to provide backup for equipment in the event of a mains failure.

HAZARDS

Chemical : Batteries contain sulphuric acid which is poisonous, corrosive and causes burns/irritation on contact with the skin or eyes.
Electrical : Short circuits can cause extensive arcing, burning and melting of metal objects and explosion of any charging gases. Electric shocks can also be received both from the batteries and from the charging equipment.
Explosion : Hydrogen gas is given off by the battery during charging. There is a risk of fire and/or explosion if flammable mixtures of hydrogen with air accumulate.
Handling : Batteries can be heavy. Mishandling may cause personal injury or damage to the battery or other equipment.

SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

Chemical

Electrical

Switch charger off before the battery is connected to it, or disconnected from it.
Use insulated tools
No tools or other conductive objects to be placed on top of the battery
Remove any metallic items from hands, wrists, neck (e.g. rings, chains etc.) which may cause accidental short circuits
Always disconnect the earthed terminal first (often the negative terminal, but not always . . . SO CHECK) and reconnect it last.
Ensure knowledge of actions in the event of electric shock.

Explosion

Provide good ventilation located at a high level immediately above the batteries
Designate the charging area 'No Smoking' and 'No Naked lights'
Make sure battery is topped up to the correct level
Ensure all connections are secure before switching on
Electrical equipment/sources of ignition to be well away from charger and below the level of the battery.

Handling

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Operators to be issued with, or have ready access to, the following :

OTHER PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY SIGNS

Warning :

Danger - electric shock
Danger – acid

Prohibition :

No smoking
No naked lights

Mandatory :

Eye/Hand/Foot Protection
Protective clothing

Information:

Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Electrical Incident - what to do

DISPOSAL

This should be through an authorised dealer. Batteries should be correctly labelled and stored upright and secure in a safe area.

CHECKLIST - BATTERY CHARGING

1	Do you have a designated and separate area or room for battery charging?	YES/NO
2	Is the area/room well ventilated?	YES/NO
3	Do you have written instructions for charging batteries, dealing with spillages or emergencies?	YES/NO
4	Do you train operators using the manufacturers'/suppliers' instructions and keep records of such training?	YES/NO
5	Do you provide and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing?	YES/NO
6	Do you provide materials to deal with spillages?	YES/NO
7	Do you display appropriate notices in the charging area/room?	YES/NO
8	Are first aid facilities (including eyewash) and a fresh water supply readily accessible?	YES/NO
9	Do you maintain records of maintenance for the batteries?	YES/NO
10	Do you dispose of your old batteries through an authorised dealer?	YES/NO

REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS

1. Electric storage batteries -

2. Health and Safety Retail&Wholesale Warehouses HS (G)76

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB