Raymond Handling Solutions, Inc, 10261 Matern Place, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 - 1-800-NOW-LIFT
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION CALCULATOR
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A routine security patrol reported a strong odor of sulfur coming from a battery charging facility. The battery charging facility is used for charging the various forklift batteries for the shipping and receiving operation. The building is approximately 450 sq. ft. and has four charging stations. Emergency response was initiated and the incident commander responded to the scene. Initial air monitoring indicated readings above the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) for hydrogen gas. The local fire department responded and setup for the situation. Facilities personnel responded and turned power off to the building. The building was ventilated and verified to be safe by the fire department. There were no injuries or damage.
The exhaust fan for the building failed allowing hydrogen gas to build up. A mechanical failure in the fan caused the automatic on/off sensor to overheat and shut the fan off.
The Preliminary Hazard Assessment (PHA) did not include the hazard of hydrogen buildup in the building from an exhaust fan failure. Because of this, there was no back-up exhaust system in place to keep this from becoming a problem.
The original PHA for the battery charging facility did not address the hazard of hydrogen buildup from an exhaust fan failure. The PHA will be revised to include this new information. Some additional concerns that were addressed were the addition of a vent and cooling system, a hard-wired breaker box switch, and the posting of the forklift battery charging procedures in the building. These additional concerns did not contribute to the occurrence, but were identified as improvements.
Lessons Learned/Suggestions for Avoidance/Mitigation Steps Taken
The simplicity of this situation has made us aware that increased consideration must be given to all aspects of the workplace when preparing preliminary hazard assessments. Some hazardous situations appear so trivial that they can be easily overlooked and serious consequences not understood. Also, some hazardous situations are not readily recognized by the layman and we should consider inviting professionals from the other organizations to assist us with assessments and reviews on a periodic basis
WAREHOUSE HANDLING AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS PEOPLE
The information on this page is deemed reliable but its accuracy is not guaranteed.
Powered industrial trucks are used in many industries for a variety of applications. Due to increasing technological advancements, battery powered industrial trucks are becoming more and more prevalent. With longer run times, shorter recharging times and reduced emissions, this type of truck is going to become even more popular. Currently, there are numerous styles of battery operated trucks that range from small, motorized pallet trucks to much larger high lift trucks. No matter what kind of truck you have, there are similar hazards associated with their batteries and their maintenance.
Forklift Batteries
There are two styles of batteries in industrial trucks today: Lead acid or nickel-iron. Both of these batteries can pose health and safety hazards.
* Shear weight--some batteries weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or more
* Gases emitted during charging can be highly volatile
* Corrosive chemicals exist within the battery
For these reasons, battery charging stations and the employees that work around them must be properly equipped with personal protective equipment in addition to having certain safety procedures implemented.
To protect workers from danger associated with the battery's weight, the batteries should only be removed and replaced from the forklifts using a special equipped forklift or battery cart specifically designed for transporting batteries, or even and automatic battery charger.
Batteries that are being removed or replaced should be securely placed and restrained in the cart or the forklift. Use the correct tools and follow proper procedures when moving batteries. This will ensure that the battery remains stable and does not fall.
Batteries release oxygen and hydrogen gases when they are charging. This effect, called "out gassing" is more noticeable if the battery is being overcharged. In the right concentrations, these gases can be highly explosive. Due to this "out gassing" effect, charging stations should be located in well-ventilated areas, to prevent concentrations of hydrogen and oxygen from reaching volatile levels. General or local ventilation can be provided by a fume hood or an exhaust fan. If an on-board charging system is used, the industrial truck itself should be parked in a location where there is adequate ventilation.
Sulfuric acid is a common and hazardous component in a battery. In the event of a battery acid spill, neutralizing agents should be spread on the spill. These cleanup materials should be on hand at all times. After the spill is neutralized, it can be safely cleaned up and disposed of in accordance with local ordinances. Only properly trained and authorized employees should perform an acid cleanup.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Whenever changing or servicing a battery, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn to prevent harm if an accident should occur. The first area of concern is the weight of the battery. To protect workers against drops, proper footwear, such as steel-toe boots should be worn.
Maintaining batteries by adding water or acid also requires appropriate protection. Chemical-resistant gloves, acid apron, eyewear and face protection are a must. They will reduce the risk of injury should an acid splash occur. As stated by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1),
"The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation."
Face protection must meet the ANSI Z87.1-1989 specifications or be proven equally effective. Faceshields are considered as secondary eye protection only. Indirect or non-vented safety goggles should also be worn to protect the eyes.
An eye/face wash and shower are other required pieces of equipment that must be in or near a battery changing area. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151,
"...where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."
According to ANSI Z358.1-2004, the eye/face wash and shower must be within 10 seconds in distance of the hazard and on the same level as that hazard. This unit needs to be clearly identified with proper signs and adequate lighting.
Basic Battery Charging Guidelines
In order to insure that battery changes are performed safely, certain steps should be taken. In 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA has called out a basic battery charging and changing guidelines:
(g) Changing and charging storage batteries.
1. Battery charging installations shall be located in areas designated for that purpose.
2. Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries.
3. [Reserved]
4. A conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent material handling equipment shall be provided for handling batteries.
5. Reinstalled batteries shall be properly positioned and secured in the truck.
6. A carboy tilter or siphon shall be provided for handling electrolyte.
7. When charging batteries, acid shall be poured into water; water shall not be poured into acid.
8. Trucks shall be properly positioned and brake applied before attempting to change or charge batteries.
9. Care shall be taken to assure that vent caps are functioning. The battery (or compartment) cover(s) shall be open to dissipate heat.
10. Smoking shall be prohibited in the charging area.
11. Precautions shall be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging areas.
12. Tools and other metallic objects shall be kept away from the top of uncovered batteries.
Sources for more information:
* 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered Industrial Trucks
* 29 CFR 1910.151, Medical Services and First Aid
* ANSI/ASME B56.1-1993, Safety Standards for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks
* ANSI/NFPA 505, Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type, Area of Use, Maintenance and Operation
* Powered Industrial Truck Owner's Manual
* ANSI Z358.1-2004
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What type of gloves should be worn?
A. Workers should wear chemical-resistant gloves. The common corrosive material encountered is Sulfuric acid. If this is the case, neoprene gloves are normally sufficient. Check with the manufacturer's recommendations or e-mail Lab Safety's Technical Representatives for a suggestion or confirmation.
Q. Is wetness on the top of a battery a problem?
A. Wetness around the terminals on a battery can be a sign of three things:
1. overfilling
2. excessive gassing during charging or
3. leaky seals
Not only can this be a hazard for workers but to the lift truck as well. Once wetness is detected, the problem should be corrected to prevent corrosion of the cell posts and other components. If this problem is left unattended, the top of the battery can become electrically conductive. Stray current flowing over the top of the batter drastically reduces the battery's performance.