PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-594
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 594
MAY 2002
PS 594
MAY 02
48
Batteries…
hey, charlie,
whadya want
me to do
with these
batteries?
there’s a storage
closet in the back
there, I’ve been
telling folks to
just toss ‘em in.
T
he buzz around commo shops now is about batteries. With new types of batteries
coming into the Army system and the emphasis on using rechargeables, proper stor-
age and handling procedures have become even more important.
Here are a dozen storage and handling tips every commo equipment user and
repairman, whether at a large storage facility or just in a unit, should know.
T
1.
Personal protective equipment
such as gloves, face shields and
aprons must be available and must
be worn whenever handling leaking
or vented batteries.
5.
Battery chemistries
don’t mix well with
each other. Some
combinations
can
cause explosions and
others harmful gases.
So segregate batteries
in storage, especially
lead acid batteries
away from nickel
cadmium or nickel
metal hydride.
6.
The same tools and materials must not be used
between battery chemistries. So color code the tools.
Pick a color for each type of battery a tool could be used
on and mark the storage area, as well as the tool, with
that color.
Watch out when
using metal tools or
materials that you
don’t short circuit a
battery
or
cause
sparks that could
lead to an explosion.
2.
Get your post fire department to help
you pick a battery storage location and to
inspect it periodically.
For large bulk storage of batteries, a
sprinkler system is recommended. BC
extinguishers will do the job for small
fires of combustibles such as packaging.
Lithium battery fires should only be han-
dled by trained firefighters.
4.
Temperatures in battery storage
and maintenance facilities must
not exceed 130°F. Among the
problems high heat causes is the
loss of available capacity and, in
the case of rechargeables, the loss
of the capacity for recharging.
If the temperature in your stor-
age area consistently hits the 110-
degree mark, it’s time to think
about cooling off the area or find-
ing another storage spot.
3.
Keep batteries in their original packaging
until they are used. The original packaging
helps you identify the batteries and does
offer some protection from crushing, punc-
turing and shorting.
I don’t
think that’ll
work.
…hey,
at least
you’re
dressed
for it!
594. 48-51 (C)
3/30/02
12:55 PM
Page 1
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