BATTERY ROOMS
Q: How Do I determine which building codes and fire codes are applicable to my site?
A: Contact the Fire Marshall that has jurisdiction over your municipality. They can
typically tell you which codes are enforced in your area.
Q: How do I know if my battery room meets the various building, fire, OSHA, and EPA codes and regulations?
A: Contact us. We will be glad to conduct an on-site assessment or provide the
information you need to perform your own assessment.
Q: How do I know if my battery room requires spill containment?
A: All battery rooms with a sprinkler system, with at least 100 gallons of electrolyte,
require a spill containment system. In non-sprinklered battery rooms a spill
containment system is required if the electrolyte amount is 50 gallons or more.
Remember: Spill Containment prevents personal injury or death and protects the
environment from the hazards of sulfuric acid and lead contaminates. We
recommend spill containment for all industrial battery installations.
Q: What are the specific requirements for spill containment systems?
A: Spill Containment systems must extend at least one inch outside the outermost
Dimension of the battery rack. The containment system must be liquid tight and
capable of containing and neutralizing any sulfuric acid that leaks or is spilled to a
pH of between 7 and 9. Most codes require a 4" high sill. The entire system must
be acid resistant including the floor. Full details are described in the What's New
Area of this web site.
Q: Is spill containment required for maintenance free (Valve Regulated Lead Acid)
batteries?
A: Most fire codes do not differentiate between flooded batteries and sealed,
maintenance free batteries. Therefore, any battery room with electrolyte levels as
mentioned above requires spill containment. The only way to be sure is to determine
which fire code is enforced in your area and then read the code. Or, you can contact
PESCO and we will help you determine what you need.
Q: Other than spill containment, what other battery room requirements exist?
A: All battery rooms must have the proper signs on entry doors. They are required to
have the proper ventilation, and in some cases require hydrogen detection capabilities.
In addition, battery rooms must have an eye-wash station and flushing capability.
Personal Protective equipment such as gloves, coveralls, and eye protection should be
stored in the battery room in clearly marked containers.
Q: Where is the best place to get the required battery room supplies and equipment?
A: We are glad you asked. PESCO carries a complete line of battery room equipment.
We will be glad to provide a proposal that will ensure your battery room is safe and
and compliant with all existing codes and regulations.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
Q: How do I know what protective clothing and equipment is required in our work
environment?
A: The National Electric Code (NEC) 70E has the latest information regarding protecting
workers from the hazards of working on energized electrical systems. OSHA uses
NEC 70E as their working guide.
Q: What are the different types of protection required?
A: Workers must be protected from three electrical hazards, shock, fire, and arcing. Use
of the proper clothing, gloves, boots, and face shields can protect workers from all
three hazards. However, do not assume that insulated clothing, gloves, etc also
provide fire and arc protection. It is important to ensure clothing and equipment meets
the requirements of NEC 70E for all three hazards. PESCO can provide detailed
information regarding which clothing provides the best protection..
Contact us through this web site or at 1-800-789-6442.
Q: Are special tools required to work on energized electrical systems?
A: Yes. Insulated tools are required to work on any energized system, but especially
those with high voltage or amperages. Most insulated tools are tested to 10,000V and
are certified safe up to 1000V. Tools must meet ASTM standards and NEC 70E
specifications. Wrapping electrical tape around the handle of a wrench or screw-
driver does not meet these standards and can be very hazardous to workers.
Q: Where can we get insulated tools that meet these codes?
A: PESCO sells and warrants our insulated tools to meet every known specification.
We keep most insulated tools in stock and available for immediate delivery. Please
see available tools under our products category at this web site.
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