Question
State how safety is achieved with
regard to gas emission in battery rooms where a large number of lead-acid cells
are stored with reference to:
(a)
Provision of lighting;
(b)
Ventilation if a fan is fitted,
(c) Type of distilled water container
for topping up;
(d) Use of tools and replacement of
defective batteries
Answer
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN BAITERY
CHARGING ROOMS
Provision of lighting
All lighting in battery room should
be of explosion proof
No fluorescent tube light is allowed,
since sparking occurs during staring
Main switch should be outside the
battery room
Light should be of proper wattage
Higher wattage bulbs should not be
used than recommended
Entry point of cables entering
fitting should be sealed with sealing compound
Fittings should not be painted
Once fittings are opened for repair
while refitting gaskets should be replaced and properly fitted
The gases given off from any battery
on charge, whether lead acid or alkaline type, are explosive.
All battery compartments should be
well ventilated to remove gases on charge.
Suction of battery room should be
from top
Blowers and motors should be fitted
outside the room
Blower material should be of non
sparking type
Motor sealed explosion proof
Type of distilled water container for
topping up
Metal jugs must not be used for
topping up purposes.
Should be of non metallic type should be of
plastic to avoid sparking and shock
Loose wires and tools must not be
placed on top of the cells.
All tools should be spark proof and
insulated
So that even if dropped it will not
cause sparking or short circuit
Voltmeter used should be
intrinsically safe
Replacement of defective batteries
Check new battery for specification,
dimension
Stop charging
Remove terminal of defective battery
Keep them far away as possible do not
allow them to short
Do not allow any terminal to touch
any metal part
Remove battery from position
Clean bottom of rack
Put the new battery in position
Apply petroleum jelly to terminal
Fit the connection
Put on charger
Takes time for charging
Old defective battery to be removed
from the room