Inter-Mining Services

Safe Work Procedure

Battery Charging Station

John Kennedy
Joanes Nyaoro H. Cisse
Onyango
January
Dec 2023 First issue HSE Manager Operations Manager DG
2023
Changes /
Rev. Date Prepared Inter-Mining Services
Reviewed Approved
Comments Cite Du Niger 2, Villa Maeva 1 Porte 201,
Bamako-Mali
 IMS 1002 HSE-
Doc. No.
06/SWP-003
Inter-Mining Services Rev. No. 1
SWP: Battery Charging Station Rev. Date 23/01/2023
Page 1 of 3

Purpose:

To ensure the safety of personnel from acid burns injury and to prevent initiation of
explosive gas.

WORKSHOP BATTERY CHARGING

The charging of batteries is considered hazardous as hydrogen gases are released whilst
charging is under way. These gases are colourless, odourless and flammable.
Hydrogen gases are lighter than air and rise rapidly until disbursement is achieved.
Maximum ventilation is required during the charging process. Cross flow ventilation is
the most common and preferable method that should be employed. Where this cannot
be achieved, ceilings should be constructed with mechanical exhausts installed to
prevent pockets of gases accumulating. Venting into the atmosphere is an acceptable
practice.
Pressure builds up inside a wet cell battery when charging or discharging is under way.
Should the air vent of the battery plug be blocked, an explosion may occur. It is
essential that all air vents to the cell plugs be checked, and cleared of blockages when
removal has been actioned, or before replacement occurs.

Identified Hazards:

1. Acid burns
2. Battery explosion
3. Electrocution
4. Discharge of acid in the environment
5. Hydrogen gas explosion

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Eye protection - face shield
• Safety rubber gloves
• Protective clothing
• Safety footwear

Inter-Mining Services
Cite Du Niger 2, Villa Maeva 1 Porte 201,
Bamako-Mali
 IMS 1002 HSE-
Doc. No.
06/SWP-003
Inter-Mining Services Rev. No. 1
SWP: Battery Charging Station Rev. Date 23/01/2023
Page 2 of 3

BATTERY CHARGING CONDITIONS

• Ventilation - Ensure adequate ventilation is provided to give cross flow over the
batteries.
• Water Supply - Ensure an adequate supply of water is available to wash down
batteries, floor and spillage.
• Eye Wash - Provide flood eye wash equipment for use should a person receive acid
burning caused by spillage or battery explosion.
• Fire Precautions - Approved portable “dry powder” type fire extinguishers. Display
"NO SMOKING" signs at entrance to the battery charging facility.
• Lighting – Adequate lighting is to be provided.
• Power Source - All wiring to be waterproof, and meet the requirements of supply
authority.
• Removal of Batteries - All power to be terminated before the battery is
disconnected. Ensure breather hole to battery plug is clear before replacing.
• Battery Plugs - Secure battery plugs before connecting to the battery charging
circuit. Remove battery plugs during the charging period. Ensure the battery is
filled with distilled water before charging commences. Clear breather vents to
battery plugs.
• Charging Benches - All benches to be constructed from hard wood.
• Footwear - All soles of footwear to be free of metal fixings where concrete or
similar solid floor surfaces are provided.
• Storage of Battery Acid - Provide a well-ventilated timber cupboard or areas to
store battery acids.
• Display corrosive acid sign, First Aid signs for acid burns and MSDS.
• Domestic Distribution Boards - Ensure no domestic distribution appliances or
switches are used in a battery charging installation.

REPAIR OR CHECK UP OF BATTERY INSTALLED ON EQUIPMENT:

▪ Personnel must wear appropriate PPE such as eyeglasses, gloves, etc for protection
in case of battery explosion due to short circuiting.
▪ Keep tools insulated and away from being in contact with the battery lead wire or
connectors.
▪ Read equipment manufacturer manual about battery maintenance before doing
repair on batteries.

Inter-Mining Services
Cite Du Niger 2, Villa Maeva 1 Porte 201,
Bamako-Mali
 IMS 1002 HSE-
Doc. No.
06/SWP-003
Inter-Mining Services Rev. No. 1
SWP: Battery Charging Station Rev. Date 23/01/2023
Page 3 of 3

REQUIRED SAFETY SIGNS

Inter-Mining Services
Cite Du Niger 2, Villa Maeva 1 Porte 201,
Bamako-Mali