In the past, when we’ve gotten together for a short safety talk, we’ve covered a variety of topics, so maybe some of the things we’ll discuss today will sound familiar to you. That’s because battery-charging operations deal with some common hazards, such as burns and back injuries. But fortunately, there are many simple precautions that can be taken to combat these dangers.
Battery charging should be accomplished in areas devoted exclusively to this type of activity and there’s a good reason for this. Hazards common to this type of work can be isolated from employees not engaged in battery charging.
Wood-slat floor boards or rubber mats should be utilized in the area to minimize slips and falls and the danger of electric shock. These boards or mats should be kept in good condition. Report any faulty or defective mats or boards.
Ample ventilation to disperse fumes is necessary and water for prompt flushing of spills of electrolyte on the floor is another important safety factor. Availability of water is also important for fire protection. Fire doors should be installed between the charging area and areas where flammable liquids are located.
Only trained personnel should charge or change batteries, so don’t attempt to do any job you aren’t authorized to do. No-smoking regulations must be observed, as escaping hydrogen can easily be ignited. In fact, open flames in general must be kept out of the area.
These points cover the work area, but personal protective apparel is just as important.
Splash-proof goggles are essential to prevent splashes from reaching your eyes. Acid proof gloves and aprons also should be worn. Your footwear should have non-slip soles, and during the actual battery filling operation, rubber boots should be worn.
As mentioned earlier, back injuries are a common problem, so handling of batteries should be done on roller conveyors or chain hoists to avoid back strains and hernias. Use hand carts to transport batteries. Likewise, safety experts recommend that acid be handled by a carboy tilter or siphon.
If it is necessary to lift a battery manually, it should be done in accordance with safe lifting procedures – by using your leg muscles, not your back muscles. Squat close to the load, hold it close to your body and lift by gradually straightening your legs. Don’t try to handle a tough lifting job alone. Ample help should be used for all lifts.
Never place metal tools on top of batteries and never put them in a spot where they might fall on a battery and cause a short circuit. This could result in an explosion or serious burns.
Avoid wearing rings on your fingers as severe burns can result if they short out on a battery terminal.
Powered chain hoists used to lift batteries should be equipped with a chain collecting basket to prevent slack chain loop from shorting out on terminals or connectors, and when a manually operated hoist is used, the battery should be covered to prevent the hand chain from shorting out similarly.
Know the location of water faucets and hoses so they can be utilized quickly for flushing when electrolyte or acid has been spilled on skin or clothing. A strong alkali such as baking soda should be applied when acid is spilled on the floor. Clean-up operations should be done promptly.
Acid burns from lead-acid batteries can be treated with baking soda and water. Treat electrolyte burns from alkaline batteries with vinegar and water. Of course, additional first aid or medical attention should be used as needed.
If you’re charging or changing the battery for an industrial truck, make sure the truck is correctly positioned and the brakes set. Vent caps should be kept in place when charging to control electrolyte spray.
Safety experts also offer this advice: Pour acid into water, not water into acid. The reason for this is the heat of dilution is so great that water poured on acid will boil and spatter.
Well, for the past few minutes, we’ve covered some of the elements of safety that are related to battery charging. But in addition, there are common sense precautions we should all take, such as reporting faulty electrical apparatus and by following manufacturer’s recommendations as to the charging rate for batteries.