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.

What are the requirements for a battery installation?

1. Space Planning and Layout 900mm min Battery Room Layout 1200mm Primary Access End Access 1000mm Battery Racks Industrial battery installations require adequate spacing for maintenance, ventilation, and safety. The layout should accommodate: 2. Structural Requirements

How much space do you need for a battery system?

Spaces about battery systems shall comply with 110.26. Working space shall be measured from the edge of the battery cabinet, racks, or trays. For battery racks, there shall be a minimum clearance of 25 mm (1 in.) between a cell container and any wall or structure on the side not requiring access for maintenance.

How should a battery room be designed?

Battery rooms shall be designed with an adequate exhaust system which provides for continuous ventilation of the battery room to prohibit the build-up of potentially explosive hydrogen gas. During normal operations, off gassing of the batteries is relatively small.

How safe is a battery room?

All electrical equipment or fittings installed in a battery room must be intrinsically safe to reduce the risk of arcing, flashing or ignition. The ventilation fans shall be provided with the single-phase squirrel-cage induction type motors suitable for direct-on-line starting.

What is the minimum clearance for a battery rack?

For battery racks, there shall be a minimum clearance of 25 mm (1 in.) between a cell container and any wall or structure on the side not requiring access for maintenance. Battery stands shall be permitted to contact adjacent walls or structures, provided that the battery shelf has a free air space for not less than 90 percent of its length.