Transcript Battery Handling Briefing

Battery Safety and Handling
EFCOG Electrical Safety Task Group
Module 9
10/16/07
EFCOG Electrical Safety Task
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1
Lead Acid Batteries
• Typically LeadAntimony.
• Made up of lead plates,
lead oxide with 35%
sulfuric acid and 65%
water solution.
• The solution is called
electrolyte, which causes
a chemical reaction that
produces electrons.
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Cell Element
Sepa ra tor
N eg a ti ve
Pl at e Group
Posit ive
Pl at e Group
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Hazards Associated With
Industrial Batteries
Hydrogen Gas explosion
Sulfuric Acid
Shock
Weight of the Battery
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Hydrogen Gas
A by-product of the battery’s charging process.
Lighter than air.
Flammable in nature.
 Explosive mixture at 4 – 74% by volume of air.
Can not taste or see the gas vapors.
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Acid Hazards
pH <2 (Typically Sulfuric Acid)
Corrosive
Burns to skin
Burns to eyes
Never open the battery caps directly over the
battery without proper PPE (faceshield, safety
glasses, etc).
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Electrical Hazard
• Exposed terminals, even on disconnected batteries,
present an electrical hazard.
• Some battery systems are capable of discharging at
extremely high rates of current. Accidental shorting
of terminals or cables can result in severe electrical
arcing, causing burns and electric shock to nearby
personnel.
• Shrapnel from explosion
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Electrical Safety Precautions
Never touch both battery terminals with your bare
hands at the same time!
Remove rings, watches and dangling jewelry when
working with or near batteries. The metal in the
jewelry can cause a shock or burn if they contact the
battery terminals.
Only use insulated/non-conducting tools to remove
cell caps. Never lay tools or other metal parts on top
of a battery.
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Electrical Safety Precautions
Consider protecting battery terminals and connectors
with an insulating blanket prior to working above
batteries
Ensure charger is turned off before connecting or
disconnecting a battery to prevent arcing
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Electrical Hazard
• Worker lost control of a
jumper wire while working
above battery bank
• Ends of jumper were not
insulated and blanket was
not installed over battery
terminals
• Event resulted in severe
arcing and potential for
injury to worker
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Fire and Explosion Precautions
 Do not smoke in battery charging areas.
 Prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery charging
areas.
 Do not strike a battery with any spark producing item.
 Keep tools and other metallic objects away from uncovered
batteries.
 Have an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in charging areas
or readily available.
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Fire and Explosion Precautions
 Neutralize static buildup just before working on battery by
contacting nearest grounded surface
 Ensure battery area ventilation is operating
 Only charge in well ventilated area
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Battery Explosions
• This starting battery
exploded during a load
test for a diesel
generator
• Explosion can expel
debris and battery acid
resulting in burns and
injury to nearby
personnel
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Handling Battery Acid
• Use extreme caution when handling electrolyte and keep an
acid neutralizing solution—such as baking soda readily
available
• Always wear apron and proper eye, face and hand protection.
• Use non-metallic containers to handle liquid
• If the electrolyte is splashed into an eye, immediately force the
eye open and flood it with clean, cool water for at least 15
minutes. Get medical attention.
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Handling Battery Acid
• If electrolyte is taken internally, drink large quantities of water
or milk. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician
immediately.
• Neutralize with baking soda any electrolyte that spills on a
vehicle work area. After neutralizing, rinse contaminated area
with water.
• To prepare electrolyte of a desired specific gravity, always
pour the concentrated acid slowly into the water; DO NOT
pour water into the acid. Always stir the water while adding
small amounts of acid. If noticeable heat develops, allow the
solution to cool before adding acid.
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Changing Batteries
 Industrial batteries used to power mobile equipment can
weigh upwards of 1,500 lbs.
 Ensure the battery is securely locked in place prior to
pulling away from the battery changing area.
 Do not attempt to stop a battery if it slides out of
equipment.
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Changing Batteries
 Work on Batteries requires Non-Sparking and Insulated
tools.
 Insulation must be listed for the voltage present
 Taped wrenches are not listed
 Batteries should never be lifted by the post.
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Safe Handling of Batteries
 Use appropriate equipment to load/unload batteries from
mobile equipment.
 Ensure you are trained and qualified in using the loading
equipment.
 Keep tools and other metallic objects away from batteries.
 Use Baking Soda or cleaning agent specified in AHA to
neutralize spilled acid.
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Jumping a Discharged Vehicle Battery
• When jump starting a vehicle, always wear proper eye
protection and never lean over battery.
• Inspect both batteries before connecting booster cables.
• Be sure vent caps are tight and level.
• Make certain that the vehicles are not touching and both
ignition switches are turned to the OFF position.
• Refer to the vehicle owners' manual for other specific
information.
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Jumping a Battery
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Battery Jumping Sequence
• Connect positive (+) booster cable to positive (+) terminal of discharged
battery.
• Connect other end of positive (+) cable to positive (+) terminal of assisting
battery.
• Connect negative (-) cable to negative (-) terminal of assisting battery.
• MAKE FINAL CONNECTION OF NEGATIVE (-) CABLE TO ENGINE
BLOCK OF STALLED VEHICLE, AWAY FROM BATTERY.
• Start vehicle and remove cables in REVERSE order of connections.
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
General Requirements for Handling
For general handling of
batteries with terminal
post taped
PPE Requirements:
• As specified in local
AHA or procedure
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Requirements
for Electrolyte Handling
PPE Requirements:
• Safety Glasses/goggles
• Rubber Gloves
• Face Shield
• Chemical Apron
• Boots
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Safety Eye Wash & Shower
Requirements
•An eyewash facility should be capable of
flushing both eyes simultaneously for fifteen
minutes and a water hose or safety shower
that, if portable, is capable of drenching the
body.
•Eyewash and drenching facilities are to be
located as close to the point of exposure as
possible of battery handling areas (not to
exceed 25 ft.) (OSHA)
•If Acid comes in contact with eyes, flush for 15
minutes and report to medical immediately.
• If acid comes in contact with skin or clothing,
rinse off for several minutes and try not to spread
the electrolyte. Report to medical after rinsing.
Note: Eyewash and drenching facilities are not required for non-vented batteries.
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Battery Safety
Know the Hazards
Use the required PPE
No Open Flame
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