Battery

Some industrial equipment is battery-powered. Batteries include components such as:

• Cell: interior area of battery is divided into cells, with alternately spaced positive and negative plates
• Separator: located between plates for insulation
• Battery tray: container holding cells
• Electrolyte: sulfuric acid solution in which cell elements are submerged
• Element: positive and negative terminals visible at the top of the cell

GISO 3650 mandates that special attention must be given to the proper functioning of the battery system in forklifts. GISO 3650 also includes adhering to OSHA recommended safe practices for battery-powered industrial equipment, as follows:

• Never accidentally create an electrical current by connecting the positive to the negative terminal through any part of your body or through any other conductor.
• Never wear metal jewelry that will conduct electricity when working around batteries.
• Never put metal articles or tools on top of the batteries or place conductive articles across the battery posts.
• Always shut the charger off when connecting or disconnecting the battery. An arc or spark could cause an explosion.
• Use only non-sparking, non-conductive tools.
• Keep the vent plugs in place at all times except when adding water to the cells or taking hydrometer readings.
• Check the battery cables and cable connectors regularly. If the insulation is worn or connector contacts are pitted, remove the truck from service and make repairs immediately.
• Follow proper lockout procedures when working on a battery in a forklift.

To learn more about Industrial Equipment visit our Cal/OSHA Industrial Equipment, Lift Trucks and Tractors Online Training web page.