Controls - Batteries & Fire Protection

Employers must provide facilities for the safe operation and maintenance of industrial equipment, including specific areas addressing batteries and fire protection.

Batteries

Employers should provide dedicated facilities for the safe use of batteries in relation to industrial equipment for activities such as:

• Flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte; a carboy tilter or siphon must be provided for handling electrolyte
• Protecting a charging apparatus from damage by trucks
• For adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries

Employers should provide a conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent material handling equipment for handling batteries.

Operators must properly position and secure reinstalled batteries in the truck.

Trucks must be properly positioned and a brake must be applied before attempting to change or charge the batteries.

Fire

Operators of industrial equipment must give attention to proper fire protection in accordance with both NFPA and OSHA standards, including adhering to the following requirements:

• Take care to ensure that vent caps are functioning. Open the battery covers to dissipate the heat.
• Prohibit smoking in the charging area.
• Take precautions to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging areas.

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