How to Safely Handle Industrial Batteries

Most people are used to handling consumer batteries on a regular basis. You pop new batteries into a flashlight or replace the ones in the TV remote without hesitation. However, when it comes to industrial battery handling, workers in Jefferson, WI need to take extra precautions.

Industrial batteries are typically much larger and more powerful than consumer batteries. Thus, if you need to handle your company’s industrial battery before, during or after use or for charging, you’ll want to follow some important industrial battery safety tips:

• Wear protective equipment: Protective equipment is often mandated by your employer and/or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when handling industrial batteries. Because batteries contain corrosive materials, you’ll want to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves and protective eyewear. You may also require other acid-resistant clothing if you work with batteries frequently.
• Don’t touch the battery immediately: After use and after fully charging, your industrial battery may be hot to the touch because of the heat generated by its power. Give the battery time to cool off before attempting to relocate it.
• Turn off the charger: If the battery is charging and you want to pull it out of the equipment, the live electricity coursing through the battery charger could spark and ignite your battery. Before disconnecting a battery, always locate and turn off the charger’s power source.
• Ensure proper ventilation and protection: Industrial batteries can emit gases that build up if proper ventilation methods are not used. Whenever you put your industrial battery on the charger, open the battery cover to allow for better ventilation, but keep vent caps on, so they can serve their intended purpose (battery ventilation and protection). Make sure the room the battery is charging in is also well-ventilated and never lean over the battery as it is charging. Vent caps, as well as other precautions, can also assist in preventing water from forming on the battery. Wet batteries increase your risk for electrocution when you connect or disconnect them from the charger.
• Keep batteries away from any sparks or open flames: In addition to storing or charging batteries in a well-ventilated room, make sure you keep industrial batteries away from anything that sparks or produces a flame, including cigarettes, clashing metal or welding equipment. A single spark could ignite the battery and cause an explosion.
• Exercise safe relocation: Many industrial batteries are large, heavy and full of acid. If they need to be relocated for charging, be very careful when attempting to lift the battery yourself or when loading it onto a machine for transport. Improperly lifting or moving the battery could result in personal injury, as well as acid spills.

If your company uses industrial batteries for any reason, contact Remis Power Systems Inc. in Jefferson, WI to learn more about industrial battery safety tips and potential battery hazards. We’re an industry-leading supplier of industrial batteries and chargers and can provide solutions for your battery needs and answer any of your battery-related questions. Call today for a free consultation.

Categorised in: Industrial Batteries

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