Safety is the most important factor in every battery room, and many of the potential hazards of battery change-outs can be mitigated with a decidedly low-tech solution: signage. Clear, discernable signs can prevent workplace accidents by pointing out hazardous areas and marking vital safety equipment for quick access. It’s important to note that battery rooms are extremely safe when properly… Continue Reading
Models Affected: All ATC Units The importance of proper vertical alignment of the Automatic Transfer Carriage (ATC) battery compartment with the truck or stand Description: The most common mistake made while operating an ATC is improper vertical alignment of the ATC roller bed with the stand or truck roller bed. If the ATC is too low as a battery is being pulled onto it, the battery will “dive” into the compartment once the midpoint of the battery is pulled past the last roller of the higher compartment. This can result in damage to the rollers and axles and possibly the extractor arm. In order to avoid these issues, it is important to ensure the roller beds are properly aligned before… Continue Reading
Models Affected: All ATC Units The importance of proper and safe operation of the Automatic Transfer Carriage (ATC) magnet and vacuum Description: A crucial factor in proper operation of the ATC, which is often disregarded, is the proper use of the magnet or vacuum on units equipped with one of these options. Proper and safe operation of the ATC requires that once the battery is fully retracted into the ATC, the flip stop and containment bar (if equipped) should be engaged. The battery should then be pushed forward to “pin” the battery between the extractor arm and flip stop. At this point the magnet or vacuum should be turned off. Failure to utilize the flip stop/containment bar and leaving the… Continue Reading
If you’ve been thinking about converting your lift truck fleet from diesel to electric, there’s never been a better time. Few projects offer a better long-term return on investment, and forklift fleet conversion is a relatively simple process. The Tennessee Valley Authority recently announced a program incentivizing diesel-to-electric lift truck conversion, providing hundreds of businesses in the region with an… Continue Reading
Comparing Battery Handling Regulations for General Industry and Construction In the previous two posts, we provided a basic introduction to OSHA regulations for battery rooms in general industries. This post will examine OSHA standard 1926.441, which addresses batteries and battery charging in the construction industry. The relationship between the battery handling regulations in standards 1910 and 1926 is complex. In… Continue Reading
The National Safety Council established June as National Safety Month. BHS kicked off National Safety Month by sharing a blog titled OSHA Standards in the Battery Room — Part One: Introduction to OSHA Regulations. This blog is the first in a four-part series, guiding readers on the OSHA standards that are most relevant to battery handling. OSHA plays a fundamental role in establishing and enforcing standards that ensure workplace safety. The quantity and complexity of regulations can be overwhelming, and this blog series offers a simplified approach to improve understanding. The second and third blog in the series are live on the website. Keep an eye on BHS1.com for the fourth and final blog, which will be posted later this… Continue Reading
OSHA’s Rules on Safety Equipment in Battery Changing Areas In our previous post, we discussed the OSHA standards that refer specifically to changing and charging batteries for powered industrial trucks: 29 CFR 1910.178(g). While this code forms the core of the OSHA requirements for battery handling, safety regulations from other parts of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for general… Continue Reading
Interpreting OSHA General Industry Regulations for Safe Battery Handling Regulations are a big part of running your facility, and regardless of your industry, OSHA guidelines are especially important. In this blog, we’ll take a look at these detailed (and occasionally confusing) guidelines and try to provide a general overview. Remember, if you need to ensure compliance, you may need to… Continue Reading
