Rank: Forum user 
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i have picked up a contract to assess a battery recyclling plant taking in all types of batteries
household, lead acid, button cells, laptop batteries etc
questions
sprinklers or not? as water on these batteries can cause hydrogen gas and risk of explosion but they can also self ignite and warehouse is unoccupied 5pm to 6am
lead contamination and blood testing batteries sorted by hand (neoprene gloves worn)
face mask / dust mask? - currently nothing
atmosphere testing of any type?
any other advice please would be more than welcome.....
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Rank: Forum user
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Assuming that you are competent in this particular activity (since you picked up the contract), why the questions?
As this is a contract I assume that you are a consultant and therefore one would hope you have sufficient knowledge of your subject to be able to offer sound advice.
Now before anyone says yes but there are always areas where we might need reassurance just remember that as a consultant you are being paid by your client for your expertise and advice.
The first rule of being a consultant is not to take on work outside of your field of expertise. I think this was something Lord Young was alluding to as well as being part of the IOSH Code of Practice.
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Rank: Forum user
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thats a bit unfair! we are here to help each other not criticise
okay i didnt have room to put all the details, i researched this widely they have been fires of this type before and on one occassion the fire sprinkler system made it worst as lithium batteries exploded however i have spoken to 2 fire risk assessors (ex brigade) one sayes yes and one no
before i recommended a major investment it helps to have all the facts and other peoples opinions
so i thought a wider opinion base would help as it is a grey area
on lead, i know the theory of course but it is the first time i have dealt with it and i need to ensure it is right - there is a first time for all of us. iam happy with my interpretation of the law and guidelines but any input is always useful
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Rank: Super forum user
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ian,
In a round about way I do have to concur with dsb but as you say the forum is also here to offer advice/assist in creating a safe environment to work in!
It appears that the whole setup of this system may have been short sighted with regards to hazard/risk from the start (which is not your fault of course!)?
Would not some type of containment be installed as part of the business set up it could have reduced the risk of fire spread to this area? If fire has now created an additional hazard and increases the risk of explosion with use of water then you now have a potential complex situation that would involve specialists and indeed the local fire brigade. Why not consider inviting them to visit the site so they can have an input with advice and also gain an understanding if they were ever called out to deal with any emergencies there?
Like I said design of the processes should have taken this into account too!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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dsb wrote:Assuming that you are competent in this particular activity (since you picked up the contract), why the questions?
I undertand what DSB is saying, but I don't agree with the sentiment, so are we saying that a consultant should now only stick to his 'specialised expertise', and not expand his/her knowledge base. Nonsense. It sounds to me that Ian feels he has a handle on this, but is looking for expert corroboration into his findings, something a sensible consultant would do, after all no-one is infallible.
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Rank: Forum user
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@ ianjones
with regard to lithium batteries and there electrolyte, I manufactured an electrolyte for mitsubishi chemicals way back in the 90s and also was in on the hazops hazids for the product, water was the medium of choice altho it was drench and extremely hi volumes of water but this was for 3000 lt batches being transfered to 250lt drums.
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Rank: Forum user
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I should add that there was a run off to a designated sump for neutralisation/cooldown and it was a top tier comah site with FDA production onsite
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Rank: Forum user
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thanks to all who contributed
Ian
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