OSHA Regulation

OSHA Regulation 1910.178

(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 neu-
tralizing 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.

OSHA Regulation 1926.441

Battery rooms and battery charging

(a) - general requirements

1. Batteries of the unsealed type shall be located in
enclosures with outside vents or in well-ventilated
rooms and shall be arranged so as to prevent the
escape of fumes, gases or electrolyte spray into
other areas.

2. Ventilation shall be provided to ensure
diffusion of the gases from the battery and to
prevent the accumulation of an explosive mixture.

3. Racks and trays shall be substantial and shall be
treated to make them resistant to the electrolyte.

4. Floors shall be of acid resistant construction
unless protected from acid accumulations.

5. Face shields, aprons and rubber gloves shall be
provided for workers handling acids or batteries.

6. Facilities for quick drenching of the eyes and
body shall be provided within 25 feet (7.62m) of
battery handling areas.

7. Facilities shall be provided for flushing and
neutralizing spilled electrolyte and for fire
protection.

(b) - charging

1. Battery charging installations shall be located in
areas designated for that purpose.

2. Charging apparatus shall be protected from
damage by trucks.

3. When batteries are being charged, the vent caps
shall be kept in place to avoid electrolyte spray.
Vent caps shall be maintained in functioning
condition.