Chemical burns, battery explosions and electrical shock are all hazards employees face when charging batteries in powered industrial equipment such as forklifts, hi-lows and pallet jacks. Ensuring that designated battery charging areas are well maintained, that employees are wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established safety procedures can help minimize risks.
Follow these battery charger safety tips and procedures to prevent incidents while charging batteries:
- Remove jewelry and wear appropriate PPE, including goggles, face shields, impermeable gloves and an acid-resistant apron or coat.
- Keep metal tools and other metal objects away from the tops of batteries to prevent sparks or an electric arc.
- Verify that the nearest shower or eyewash station is in working order with an unobstructed path.
- Do not smoke in the area and extinguish all open flames, sparks, electric arcs or other sources of ignition.
- Follow the facility’s established procedures for filling and charging batteries.
- Clean up spills immediately with the right supplies.
Download the Toolbox Talk worksheet below to help educate employees who operate powered industrial equipment on the hazards and procedures to follow to prevent incidents.
Planning to give a Toolbox Talk at your workplace? Check out this post for some tips from the experts.
Learn more battery charging safety tips in our related article: 6 Forklift Battery Charging Hazards You Need to Know.
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