PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-631
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 631
JUNE 2005
What Have You Got and What Shape are They In?
Periodically inspect stored bat-
teries for defects such as bulges,
cracks or leaks and monitor their
expiration dates.
Keep only authorized batteries
on hand and keep only the num-
ber that you need. It’s a good idea
to display in your storage area a
list of available batteries and the
equipment they’re used in.
Know Your Metal
When It’s Too Darn Hot
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 their capacity for recharging.
If the temperature in your storage area
consistently hits the 110° mark, it’s time
to think about cooling off the area or
finding another storage spot.
Remember, temperatures inside a
MILVAN or similar container in SWA
will
exceed this. Read SB 11-6 for ideas
on how to keep them as cool as possible.
Try to find somewhere else to store your
batteries if you cannot find an alternative
storage area.
Don’t Mix ‘em
Battery chemistries don’t mix well with each other. Some combinations can cause
explosions and others harmful gases. So segregate batteries in storage. Keep lead
acid batteries away from nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride.
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 stor-
age area, as well as the tool, with that
color.
Do not mix new and used batteries.
Each type needs its own storage area.
Do not let used batteries pile up.
Dispose of them quickly.
Use Your Eyes, Nose and Ears
Check the packaging and the
batteries for leaks, stains, bulges,
cracks or other signs of damage.
Know the odors, such as the
smell of rotten eggs, and sounds,
such as hissing and popping,
associated with abnormal battery
behavior. Let your nose and ears
tell you when you might have a
problem with a stored battery.
Also, immediately disconnect any battery that is hot to the touch.
Train, Train, Train
Last, but certainly not least, all personnel should be properly trained in mainte-
nance procedures, first aid, personal protection equipment and the hazards of battery
maintenance operations.
Check out the following that are available on the LOGSA website:
/
The US Army Supply Bulletin, SB 11-6,
Communications Electronic
Batteries, Supply and Management Data
and the US Army Technical
Bulletin, TB 43-0134,
Battery Disposition and Disposal.
PS 631
JUN 05
44
Keep
batteries
in their
original
packaging
until they
are used.
our original
packaging helps
you
identify
us…
…and does
offer some
protection
from crushing,
puncturing
and shorting.
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.
rather
warm,
don’t
you think?
what’re
you
old
guys doing
here?
I still
have some
juice in me,
consarn ya!
durn
this
lum-
bago!
it’s beastly!
I’m calling the
management!
but, look! I
got a
list!
ugh! that
smell!
the batteries must
be going bad!!
It’s in the Package
nah! I had
boiled eggs
for lunch!
631.44-45(C)
4/29/05
1:11 PM
Page 1
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