How can I manage the risks associated with batteries in my organization?
CAUTION/DANGER
Lead-acid batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte, which can be poisonous and is highly corrosive. Flooded Lead Acid batteries will produce gasses when discharging and re-charging which can explode!
When working with batteries, you need to have plenty of ventilation, remove your jewelry, wear protective eyewear (safety glasses) and clothing, and exercise caution.
Do not allow battery electrolyte to mix with salt water. Even small quantities of this combination will produce Chlorine gas that can KILL you!
Your service manager suddenly remembers that he hasn’t inspected or serviced the batteries in the ???. It’s been longer than anyone imagined and regular charging has depleted the water and created a build up of hydrogen gas. The wrench of the technician he sent to service the batteries slips just as he is leaning over to visually check the water level. The wrench creates a spark causing the excess hydrogen to explode, injuring the technician. Can this be prevented? Can the potential for this type of accident be managed?
Your cable repair truck is traveling to a service call. The driver is forced to slam on the brakes, cut off by another driver. The violent movement of the truck causes a can of cleaning solvent to fall and land across the terminals of a replacement battery he is carrying. The battery arcs, the aerosol container explodes, rupturing the aerosol container and damaging the battery case. Battery acid mixes with the solvent creating a dangerous situation for the driver. This situation and the use of flooded batteries put your company at risk for employee claims and DOT violations. Can this be prevented? Can the risks be better managed?
As a Multi-Station, Multi-System or Multi-Bank Operator, you are required to implement a rigorous risk management program that protects you, your employees, the community and the environment. You must be aware of the hazards associated with using batteries (particularly flooded batteries), Transportation Hazards, Community “Right to Know Acts”, Environmental Compliances and more.
Discover™ dealers are trained, willing and able to help you reduce the chance of accidents. Because Discover™ has the largest range of Sealed Valve Regulated batteries in the world. Discover™ dealers can supply you with a battery to fit your needs. Battery options that will not gas, (unless they are overcharged) reducing the chance of explosions. In fact from as much as 1 in 1000 for flooded batteries to as little as 1 in 1000000 for Sealed Gel batteries, plus they never need filling.
By using Discover™ batteries you limit your risks associated with the DOT. Flooded batteries are considered hazardous material. Because of related dangers your drivers must have a Commercial Drivers License with a hazardous materials endorsement. And, you may be limited from carrying any other hazardous material in the vehicle at the same time. (Such as cleaners, petroleum’s etc.) Discover™ batteries are sealed non-spill able and they are labeled as such. Because they are clearly labeled and shipped with terminal protectors, they are exempt from certain restrictive DOT regulations.
If ignited in a fire, the plastics, lead and acid contained in a battery can cause toxic fumes. Therefore the Community Right to Know Act requires reporting for batteries if sulfuric acid is present in quantities over 500 lbs (225 kgs.) and/or lead in quantities over 10000 lbs. (4500 kgs.). Storing 12 standard cable TV back up batteries or 12 standard golf cart batteries may make you liable to report as the acid content exceeds the limits. Many don’t and there is never a problem until something bad happens! Then, well, violators are subject to fines up to $25,000.00. Discover™ dealers can make just in time deliveries of your battery needs and help keep you updated with the information needed to comply with emergency planning in your communities.
Failure to dispose of used batteries can also lead to huge fines and criminal penalties. Used batteries not properly managed might end up in the hands of metal dealers who might dump the sulfuric acid to get at the lead. If your batteries are found in the garbage or a landfill you can be fined and held liable for cleanup costs. Discover™ dealers can also manage your risk associated with the environment. As professionals they collect and dispose of scrap everyday under strict transportation and reporting guidelines. They will provide this service to you also. By using Discover™ sealed valve regulated batteries from Discover™ approved dealers you can reduce many of your potential liabilities and better mange the risks associated with batteries within your organization. For more information be sure to read the section on “How do I compare and make an informed buying decision when deciding between Flooded, AGM, Advanced AGM, Series 700 Gel and/or Gel batteries”.