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OSHA Battery Charging Requirements

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is a government agency in the Department of Labor. Its function is to maintain safe and healthy work conditions for all employees. OSHA accomplishes this by enforcing standards developed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA provides "research, information, education and training in the field of occupational safety and health."

  1. Battery Charging and Changing

    • Battery charging and changing may only be performed in assigned areas by designated persons with the proper training. In addition, when batteries are being charged, the vent caps shall be kept in place to avoid battery spray. The necessary charging equipment must be protected from damage by other vehicles. This includes securing the parking brakes on any vehicle being utilized before batteries are charged or changed.

    General Requirements

    • Ventilation is critical when charging batteries and dealing with gases or fumes from the battery of the "unsealed" type. Outside vents should be located in whatever enclosures being used. Or, charge the battery in a well-ventilated room.
      Lit cigarettes and other ignition sources are prohibited in charging areas.
      Safety equipment such as face shields, aprons, and rubber gloves must be provided for workers handling acids or batteries during charging. As a preventative measure, facilities for flushing the eyes, body and work area with water shall be provided wherever battery electrolyte levels are being checked. These areas must be provided within 25 feet of battery handling areas.

    Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

    • The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 offers state programs an occupational safety and health method as presented in Section 18 of the Act. For example, the State of California is required to provide training and proper items necessary to properly administer and enforce all occupational safety and health standards and regulations in regards to the charging and changing of batteries. Businesses may be fined and cited in incidents where requirements are not met and or have resulted in injury.

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