What Does OSHA Say About Floor Scubber Batteries?

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a branch of the United States Department of Labor, strives to ensure Americans are provided with safe work environments. To do so, OSHA puts safety regulations on everything--including batteries for floor scrubbers.

Backround on Batteries

• Although OSHA does not have specific regulations on floor scrubbers, its website lists many safety conditions for batteries. Under Part 1926 of the section for Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, OSHA details safety conditions and restrictions both for the life of batteries and how to properly charge them.

Unsealed Batteries

• According to OSHA, unsealed batteries -- including those needed for floor scrubbers -- must be located in a place with ventilation and arranged in a manor that prevents fumes, electrolyte spray and gases from escaping into other locations. The ventilation is mandated to diffuse battery gases and prevent explosive material from forming.

Worker Safety

• For employees working with batteries, OSHA requires employers to provide rubber gloves, face shields and aprons for their workers. Eye-rinsing facilities must also be within 25 feet of batteries.

Charging Batteries

• If an employer's floor scrubber uses rechargeable batteries, OSHA mandates charging apparatuses must be located in an area designated for charging batteries.