02 Mar Industrial Battery Safety and Best Practices
Understand the Importance
Industrial battery safety should be a primary concern in warehouse and distribution centers. Both people changing and maintaining batteries alike should be aware of the dangers that come with batteries as well as safe handling procedures and best practices. Not only are industrial batteries heavy (up to 4000 lbs in some cases), they also contain sulfuric acid, making them a workplace hazard on multiple fronts. A firm understanding of safety and best practices can improve up time and prevent accidents.
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Be sure your employees that may be changing and maintaining batteries are thoroughly trained on the following best practices
Safety and Best Practices
Wear PPE
Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting battery maintenance. This can include, but is not limited to, gloves, face shields, and aprons.
Know where safety equipment is located
Know the location of the eye wash station, fire extinguisher, and battery spill kit, and know how to properly use all three
Understand the fire risk
Never smoke, use an open flame, or create an arc or spark near a battery as batteries produce flammable, explosive gasses.
Prevent accidental shorting
Remove jewelry and don’t place metal objects on top of the battery. The metal contact can cause the battery to short circuit.
Conduct regular inspections
Check the battery frequently for secure connections and damaged cables or connectors. Refasten any unsecure connections, and replace damaged parts.
Be mindful when disconnecting the battery from the charger
Always turn off the charger before disconnecting the battery from it.
Promote proper cooling
When charging, keep the battery compartment open for ventilation and cooling. This will prevent the battery from overheating.
