The Only Checklist You'll Need for Battery Room Compliance and Safety

The forklift battery room is an important place in any warehouse. But it can also be a dangerous – even fatal – place for forklift battery handling personnel if the right safety measures aren't taken.

To help keep warehouse personnel throughout the country safe while on the job, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a series of regulations and recommendations specific to the warehousing industry. For example, all personnel who work within the lift truck battery room are required to have received adequate safety and battery maintenance training.

OSHA mandates that all battery rooms be equipped with certain items to keep personnel safe and forklift batteries in good condition. Use this battery room safety equipment checklist to help you comply with OSHA regulations and avoid hefty fines:

Battery Spill Containment System:

Spill containment systems, which are trays lined with absorbent material to catch dripping electrolyte underneath batteries while charging or servicing, reduce the environmental impact of battery leaks.

Spill Cleanup Equipment:

Spill cleanup kits contain neutralizing agents and non-gassing acid absorption pillows and are crucial for containing, neutralizing, and disposing of spilled electrolyte.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

All personnel must be supplied with gloves, aprons, and face and eye protection while working in the forklift battery room.

Eye Wash Station:

Eye wash facilities must be installed within 25 feet of the battery room to protect personnel from accidental exposure to corrosive chemicals.

Battery Room Safety Signage:

Proper signage informs and protects personnel from potential hazards.

Hydrogen Gas Detectors:

Hydrogen gas, which is a byproduct of the battery charging process, can be explosive in high enough concentrations. All battery rooms must have a device to monitor the density of hydrogen gas in the air.

Ventilation:

Ventilation systems diffuse hydrogen gas from the battery room to prevent dangerous accumulation and protect air quality.

Acid-resistant Flooring:

Flooring that won't corrode from chemical spills prevents environmental contamination and protects personnel by ensuring the integrity of the battery room floor space.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers:

These devices are required as part of OSHA’s fire protection regulations. 

Do you agree with this lift truck battery room checklist? Want to know even more about forklift battery safety? Share your thoughts and ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment below.