How can PLC Members Go Green for Safety?
Evaluating risk is the first step in preventing accidents in the workplace. As we review safety issues in this newsletter, we will consistently talk about “Going Green” in regards to safety. What does this mean? Very simply, we classify potential safety risks in the workplace using a three-color system.
• Red is used to classify tasks that are dangerous or clear hazards present in the workplace.
• Yellow is used to classify tasks that could be dangerous or potential hazards present in the workplace.
• Green is used to classify tasks and potential hazards in the workplace where risk is low or eliminated thanks to measures including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being used and readily available; employees being made aware of and able to communicate about hazards, PPE requirements, first aid measures, storage requirements and handling procedures; or where annual training on preventing injury is being completed.
The goal with going GREEN is to get all tasks and potential hazards to GREEN and to have a system for recognizing tasks and elements in the workplace that are clearly hazards – RED, or potentially hazardous and in need of improvement – YELLOW.
PLC Safety Newsletter
BATTERY SAFETY
Feb. 16, 2018
By Miranda Gowell, PLC Safety Coordinator
Where do we place our battery charging stations? When it comes to safety, choosing where we perform a task can really impact how safely that task is performed. For charging batteries you want to select a well ventilated area. You also want to ensure you put up no smoking signs in that area. You want to choose racks and trays that are treated to resist electrolyte. This area needs to be protected from being struck by trucks or equipment. Bench grinding or any flame/arc producing tasks should not be performed in this area. Are you prepared if there is a fire or a spill in this area? Ensure it is not placed near your exit.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) shall be available near the battery charging station and should include a face shield, apron and rubber gloves. Signs reminding employees of battery charging area safety can keep these messages top of mind for managers and employees.
Ensure there are adequate first aid supplies available to treat an employee in the event they come into contact with battery acid. That means you need facilities for quick drenching of the eyes and body within 25’ of the battery charging area.
Safety Tips on Charging Batteries:
There are many factors that can impact charging rate and time, a safe practice to monitor charging is to use a battery hydrometer. The battery hydrometer measures specific gravity to monitor “how much” to charge. To learn more visit:
https://www.bing.com/videos/searchq=hydrometer+and+battery+charging&view=detail&mid=B391BB8F70F32CAF5B8FB391BB8F70F32CAF5B8F&FORM=VIRE.
Don’t remove caps when charging a battery.
Connect the charger to battery terminals while the charger is turned off. Then turn on the charger. This will reduce the sparks being generated.
Charge single batteries at a specific rate for a specific time – reference the battery’s reserve capacity rating.
If batteries are connected in a parallel for charging, the output of the charger will be divided equally among the number of batteries being charged and the charging time will increase.
Recharging at a slower rate will prolong the battery life.
Do you need assistance with implementing hazard preventative measures/controls for your
NEAR MISS, INJURY OR
ACCIDENT?
Call or email:
Miranda Gowell, PLC Safety Coordinator at safety@maineloggers.com or (207) 841-0250