What are the safety requirements related to batteries & Battery rooms?

Employers must consider exposure to these hazards when developing safe work practices and selecting personal protective equipment (PPE). That is where Article 320, Safety Requirements Related to Batteries and Battery Rooms comes in.

Do you need a lithium ion battery storage cabinet?

Organizations handling lithium-ion batteries must adhere to strict safety standards. Using lithium battery storage cabinets ensures compliance with fire safety and hazardous material regulations. A lithium ion battery cabinet provides a dedicated, secure storage space, reducing the chances of battery loss, theft, or improper handling.

What happens if a battery room is not ventilated?

Without adequate ventilation, battery rooms become high-risk environments for both personnel and equipment. Battery charging generates hydrogen through a chemical reaction. In rooms with poor airflow, this gas can linger and reach dangerous levels.

Can a battery be installed open?

“Vented batteries connected to a charging device with a power output of less than 0.2 kW (calculated as in subsection 19.4.6) may be installed open, if protected from above from falling objects, or in a battery box in any suitable space.”

Why do you need a lithium-ion battery cabinet?

These cabinets are essential for businesses and workplaces that rely on multiple lithium-ion batteries, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat due to internal short circuits, overcharging, or external heat exposure.

Do you need documentation before entering a battery room?

It is a requirement to have all the documentation in place prior to authorized personnel entering a battery room to perform a specific work task on a battery system under normal operating conditions. However, it is likely the employee will need to enter the battery room to deal with a battery system that is not operating normally.