IOM-421 BWC-1

TP-603 - SAFETY AND DE-ENERGIZATION PROCEDURES

GENERAL SAFETY

• Read and understand all instructions and warnings before using or servicing this equipment.
• Keep these instructions for future reference.
• Follow all federal, state and local requirements for handling and treatment of battery wash cabinet effluent.
• Battery Wash Cabinet (BWC) units are not designed to be shipped or transported after initial delivery.
• A licensed structural engineer should be consulted prior to installing a BWC on any building level other than the ground floor.
• Perform system and safety check before operating.
• Failure to follow these instructions and warnings may result in property damage, personal injury or death.

WORK AREA

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered work areas and poor lighting can lead to accidents.
• Clean up/contain any fl uid spills immediately to prevent slips or falls.
• Be aware of potential hazards when performing any service or maintenance to the unit.

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Service personnel shall wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the task being performed.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Lockout/tagout the BWC per your corporate policy, if damaged or not functioning properly. Lockout/tagout and deenergize all systems prior to performing any maintenance or service to unit.

LEAD-ACID BATTERIES-EXPLOSION HAZARD

Do not allow open fl ames or sparks of any kind near a battery. Highly explosive gas is generated when charging a battery that can remain in battery cells for extended periods of time after charging is complete.

• Always wear appropriate PPE including rubber apron, gloves, boots and full face shield when performing service or maintenance to any lead-acid batteries.
• Do not place metal or other conductive objects on top of battery. Arcing may occur causing damage to the battery and/or serious personal injury or death.

LEAD-ACID BATTERIES-EXPLOSION HAZARD (contd.)

• Use only chargers matching the voltage and amperage of the battery being charged. Overcharging a battery can cause damage to the battery, charger and/or serious personal injury or death.
• Turn off charger before disconnecting battery from charger. Arcing between battery and charger connectors can cause damage to the connectors and/or serious personal injury or death.

BATTERY WASH WATER HAZARDS

HEAVY METALS:

Battery wash water contains heavy metals including (but not limited to) lead and antimony, which through prolonged exposure can lead to serious, long-term, adverse health conditions.

EXTREME pH LEVELS:

Highly acidic (low pH) as well as highly alkaline/ basic (high pH) solutions can cause severe burns, release toxic fumes, and cause violent chemical reactions when mixed with water or when mixed together.

• pH values outside of the BHS allowable range of• 5 to 9 should be treated as “extreme” and caution should be taken to avoid direct contact with such solutions.
• Always wear appropriate PPE including rubber apron, • gloves, boots and full face shield when working in contact with any battery wash water.

TREATMENT CHEMICALS:

Use of chemicals not approved by BHS to treat wash water may result in the release of toxic fumes.

OPERATIONAL SAFETY

OPERATIONAL SAFETY

• Only personnel trained in the proper and safe operation of BWC units may operate or service the BWC.
• Operators shall wear appropriate PPE suitable for working with industrial lead-acid batteries while operating the BWC (see prior pages).
• All data plates, warning labels, placards, etc shall be in place and legible at all times. Contact BHS for replacement data plates, warning labels, placards or instructions.
• All users and service personnel shall be familiar with the meaning and risks associated with all data plates, warning labels, etc.
• All operators and service personnel shall be aware of potential crush and shear points while operating or servicing the BWC.
• Keep hands and arms out of the battery compartment while operating the BWC.
• Secure the door in the raised position by way of the door retaining pins prior to performing any service inside the BWC.
• Remove the BWC from service if it is found to be dam-aged, defective, or operating in a hazardous manner (or becomes such while operating) until repairs can be made to correct any problem(s).

DO’s AND DON’T’s

• Disconnect the power before attempting to perform any service or maintenance to the BWC.
• DO NOT exceed the maximum capacity of the BWC.
• DO NOT modify or fi t the BWC with attachments without prior, written approval from BHS.
• DO NOT perform any maintenance or service to the BWC with a battery loaded in the BWC.
• DO NOT allow anyone to enter the BWC at any time unless proper de-energization and lockout/tagout procedures have been performed.
• DO NOT operate the BWC with any guard or cover removed unless required for maintenance or repair.
• DO NOT use the BWC to wash anything other than industrial lead-acid batteries.
• DO NOT use foaming type detergents in conjunction with the BWC.
• DO NOT use soda ash or similar types of neutralizers.
• Use only fully liquefi ed neutralizers.
• DO NOT use the BWC in a manner for which it is not intended. Some examples of prohibited use are but not limited to:

           >>As a safety shower 
           >>As a parts washer 
           >>As a storage cabinet 
           >>As a waste water dump from other equipment 
           >>As a battery maintenance/repair station