Safety tips for forklift battery storage room

Building a safe battery storage room for your forklift truck batteries is just as significant as any other aspect of forklift truck safety. In reality these rooms are mostly overlooked by the companies while experiencing other operating charges.

Batteries need to be properly stored. In fact, there are several factors that should be noticed while storing a forklift battery in a storage room. Let’s discuss in detail:

1.      Air quality

As we know, the battery charging process generates gasses, incorporating hydrogen that may result in adverse exposures for workers especially working near to it. Actually, air quality is mostly overlooked.

Lack of exhaust systems and facilities in our forklift battery storage room may result in inefficient working of batteries. The best way to consider your air quality is to add an exhaust system that has a certified industrial hygienist conduct air monitoring.

2.      Personal protective equipment

PPE or personal protective equipment is very imperative when working in the battery storage room, this includes the following:

·         Recommended face shield and goggles

·         Recommended rubber apron

·         Recommended acid-resistant gloves

·         Recommended acid-resistant footwear

·         Appropriate volume of neutralizer

·         The appropriate volume of ABC fire extinguishers which are properly maintained

3.      Automated battery changers

When you are dealing with automated riding or walking battery changers make sure you train your employees to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance tips and tricks. If you have a small area then you can use any battery changer but if you have a wide area then an automated riding battery changer is the perfect option.

No matter what size of unit you have, while servicing the charger, you should follow the safe work practice requirements.

4.      Training

Forklift employees and operators who change forklift batteries must receive formal and documented training as prescribed By OSHA. It includes:

·         Safe work practices

·         Required procedures for battery changing

·         Safely handling of personal protective equipment

·         Inspection requirement

5.      Eyewash and shower

A shower and eye wash system are important and to be installed in the forklift battery storage room as it may be used by any employee in the case of any accident.

As per my experience, these systems are rarely installed in any storage room as it allows an easy way to flush out any acid in the case of any emergency.

Remember all these battery room safety tips if already has a battery room or going to construct as these are also as important as battery maintenance and safety tips.