Battery Roller Stands or Single Level System Stands: Which is Right for Your Forklift Battery Room?


Forklift fleet managers across the world rely on BHS, Inc. for all of their battery handling needs. We provide a comprehensive line of battery room solutions, from a single Magnetic Cable Mount (CR-M) to a full Operator Aboard Battery Extractor System. And while we offer 10 models of Forklift Battery Stands, plus custom designs on request, two in particular can be found in battery rooms around the globe: Single Level System Stands (BS-SL) and Battery Roller Stands (BS).

These two models have more in common than they do differences. They’re both crafted from heavy-duty steel and finished with an acid-resistant powder coating. They’ll both stand up to all the hazards of the battery room, from intense weight to spilled electrolyte. You can order either with or without Charger Shelves, and the spark-proof, poly-sleeved rollers on each model improve safety during change-outs with equal effectiveness.

But they were also built for different battery room environments. If you run a side-extraction electric forklift fleet, either of these products will lead to safer, more efficient battery handling at your facility — but one might produce a faster ROI while doing so. The BHS Sales Team and your BHS Dealer will study your exact application to determine the most efficient solution available, ultimately recommending one model or the next based on unique conditions. Generally, though, here’s how to choose between the BS-SL and the BS.

Single Level System Stands: A Forklift Battery Storage Solution for Anywhere

Both BS-SL and BS models are compatible with the whole range of BHS side-extraction forklift battery changers, from lighter-duty Roller Transfer Carts (RTC) to a full Single Level Battery Extractor (BE-SL). But for use with Battery Carts and Carriages (as opposed to higher-throughput Operator Aboard Battery Extractor Systems), many BHS customers choose Single Level System Stands.

Like so many things in the material handling industry, the reason why can be traced back to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Standard 1926.441(a)(4) states that:

Floors shall be of acid resistant construction unless protected from acid accumulations.

So a facility must either have acid-resistant flooring (Epoxy Flooring, available from BHS), or it must provide some other means of catching leaked battery acid before it accumulates on the concrete floor, damaging it and creating dangerous operating conditions. Single Level System Stands are compatible with BHS Drip Pans, a removable steel containment system that collects and contains electrolyte before it reaches the floor. These Drip Pan Kits (DK-SS) are particularly effective when lined with AcidSorb Pillows, which change color on contact with electrolyte, and chemically neutralize acid for safe disposal.

So if your facility features concrete floors, Single Level System Stands are probably the right choice for you. Other distinguishing features of the BS-SL include:

  • Steel, powder-coated, welded anchor feet, predrilled for installation.
  • Standard roller heights between 8 inches and, with the addition of optional Leg Extensions (BS-LE), 18 inches. Other specifications are available on request.
  • Finished with OSHA Blue paint, with custom colors also available.

Because of this compatibility with Drip Pan Kits, the BS-SL can be installed in a wider variety of existing settings. However, that doesn’t make it the best choice for every application.

Battery Roller Stands: Height-Adjustable Stands for Acid-Resistant Flooring

As noted, OSHA standards give fleet operators two acceptable ways to prevent pitting on battery room floors: catch-and-contain systems or flooring treated to resist acid. If your battery charging area features Epoxy Flooring or another containment method; your battery handling equipment requires roller heights below 8 inches; and/or you prefer to fine-tune roller height by up to a half-inch, Battery Roller Stands might be the best choice.

These systems are not compatible with Drip Pan Kits. And unlike the BS-SL’s welded feet, the BS’ threaded-rod feet allow users to adjust roller height by half an inch without dealer assistance. The other key difference between the BS and the BS-SL also has to do with height: Battery Roller Stands come with standard roller height of 4.5 inches. With Leg Extensions, that can be expanded to up to 25.9 inches — and each of these heights can be adjusted by the threaded-rod feet for precision.

Finally, the standard paint finish of the BS is OSHA Safety Yellow, not OSHA Blue — although, like virtually everything else about BHS products, this can be customized to match user specifications.

OSHA-Compliant Battery Room Accessories for Every Battery Charging Area

While the key difference between the BS and the BS-SL boils down to compatibility with Drip Pan Kits, employers have to provide electrolyte spill containment equipment in every case. Both OSHA standards 1910.178(g)(2) and 1926.441(a)(7) state that:

Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte…

Battery Spill Kits from BHS include universal chemical socks, pads, and pillows that contain spills instantly. They also provide powdered acid neutralizer to render electrolyte non-caustic on contact. And they provide PPE, drums, and everything else battery room operators need to stay safe and comply with OSHA when electrolyte escapes.