Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By halesowen Baggie
What would be the real dangers arising from the recharging process using a 48 volt 24 cell battery that is used on a reach truck.
We have 6 batteries of this kind on charge, the person that worked here before me has concentrated a lot on the risks of electrocution (low voltage?).
He has also stipulated in the RA that a risk may arise from incorrect connection/disconnection of the charger leads, this is impossible because there is one lead of which its end will only fit one way into the coupling connection on the batteries.
Hydrogen gas and the sulphuric acid are my major concerns.
Also could somebody inform me as to what would happen if battery water levels were not topped up with regard the risk to people?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Pete Longworth
I would agree that hydrogen gas and sulphuric acid are your main concerns, plus manual handling if you have to remove or change the batteries. As for not topping up the battery levels I can't say for sure but presumably if the battery isn't topped up sooner or later it just becomes useless and unchargeable.
You've also got the problem of the siting of recharging areas away from traffic routes, well ventilated, adequately lit etc, and how the truck is manoeuvred in and out of the charging area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Ali
You can get more info from the free leaflet Indg 139 "Electric Storage Batteries - safe charging & use". The leaflet can be downloaded directly from the HSE website using the Code.
Ali
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Dave West
Damaged charging leads due to leads not being hung up on left on floor.
Battery cover not being raised during charging could cause a build up of explosive gases
Maintenance schedual for the checkng of battery levels and topping up of.
PPE for carrying out this task.
correct procedure for putting on and takng off charge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Brian Welch
Try the following British Standards they may help
BS EN 60079-10: Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Atmospheres: Classification of
Hazardous Areas
BS EN 60079-14: Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Atmospheres: Electrical Installations in Hazardous Areas (other than mines)
BS EN 60079-17: Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Atmospheres: Inspection and Maintenance of Electrical Installations in Hazardous Areas (other than mines)
The following Codes of Practice
BS 6132: safe operation of alkaline secondary cells and batteries.
BS 6133: safe operation of lead acid stationary cells and batteries
BS 6287: safe operation of traction batteries
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By pat merchant
halesowen
we have many charging stations including reach trucks.
Our Risk assessmens include
ventilation of the area
Fire points
PPE when charging and filling batteries
Correct signage for battery charging areas.
You can get connection plugs that have both the positive and negative in the same plug and are quick release. these are fitted to both the trucks and chargers and cannot be reversed by accident so reducing the risk.
care should be taken as we once had an accident from a welder making a repair as far away as 25ft from the gases exploding and desroying the batteries. gases emitted during charging are highly exposive.
always ensure battery levels are checked as charging empty batteries warps the plates and damages the battery.
We also purchased an inline water de-ioniser filter so we have on demand water for he batteries without having to buy or store.
Pat
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.