Battery Charger – Automotive Portable Battery Charger Safe Work Procedure
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LOCATION / PREPARED BY: / APPROVED BY: / DOCUMENT CONTROL
All divisional worksites where automotive battery chargers are present and in use.
/ Prepared By:
Carolyn Richert
Leonard Zdrill / Worksite principal
Site safety team
Supervisors and instructors
Safety and health office / Origin: September 14, 2006
Last Revised: April 6, 2015
Last Reviewed: April 6, 2015
Next Review: On or before April 6, 2018
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)
/ Safety glasses and face shield must be worn at all times in work areas and specifically when operating automotive battery chargers. / / Long and loose hair must be tied back.
/ Appropriate footwear must be worn when preforming work with battery chargers. Shoe must be fully enclosed. No open toed shoes allowed. / / Close fitting/protective clothing must be worn.
100% cotton coveralls
/ Rings and jewelry (long necklaces / bracelets, etc.) must not be worn. Lighters, matches and cell phones are not allowed in the shop area when the shop is operational. Wearing gloves is allowed when using battery charger, if desired by operator. / / Hearing protection must be worn as per shop location protocols.
Other PPE Considerations / Respiratory protection for workers with related sensitivities.
HAZARDS PRESENT / SUPPORTING
REQUIREMENTS
·  Electrical shock
·  Burns (thermal and potentially chemical)
·  Severe injury to all body parts if battery should explode under charge
·  Explosive gas (hydrogen) produced and will fill any enclosed area from top down (hydrogen is lighter than air)
·  Other, not yet identified. / ·  General shops and department safety orientations
·  Read and understand general safety rules and regulations
·  Applicable other automotive battery charging safe work procedures
·  Safety related contents of automotive battery charger Operator Manual
·  Other instruction and supervision
·  Other, not yet identified based on experience
SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
DO NOT use this machine or perform this process unless a supervisor / teacher instructed you in safe procedures / operation and have given you authorization to perform associated tasks.
Always use tools and equipment for their intended purposes only.
Always take out of service and report damaged equipment to your supervisor / teacher without delay.
Pre-Job Safety:
1)  Ensure work area is clean, clear away scraps, tools and material. Keep floor around work space clean and free of oil and grease and any other flammable materials.
2)  Personal protective equipment, per MSDS (protective eyewear, protective footwear, preferably 100% cotton coveralls, hearing protection per RETSD policy, respiratory protection.)
Set Up:
3)  Ensure work area is well ventilated.
4)  Ensure area is clear of flammable and or combustible materials. Work in an area where there are no open flames or sparks.
5)  Make sure all power and accessories are off in the vehicle prior to removing battery.
Operate / Perform Process:
6)  Remove battery from vehicle. Remove possible static buildup by touching a metal object on the vehicle away from battery.
7)  Remove grounded cable (negative) first. Be careful that the wrench does not touch both terminals at the same time. Then remove the positive cable. Do not let cables touch each other or the battery.
8)  Carry battery to work area and place battery in upright position. Inspect battery for cracks in the case, loose terminals and any other damage. Ensure battery is not frozen. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery.
9)  Use a volt meter to determine the battery voltage. If below 12 volts for a 12 volt battery, battery will require charging.
10)  Before connecting the battery charger to the battery ensure the floor around the charging area is dry. Ensure the charger is unplugged and the controls are turned off.
11)  Connect the positive (or non-grounded) cable first. Then connect the grounded cable (negative).
12)  Charge for approximately 15 minutes and check voltage again, if voltage is still below 12 volts. Refer to “time to charge” chart to determine length of time to charge the battery.
13)  Disconnecting the battery from the charger. Ensure there is no source of ignition in the area. Turn battery charger off and unplug charger. Disconnect grounded cable (negative) first, and then disconnect positive cable. Put battery charger away.
14)  Before you carry the battery back to the vehicle ensure your route back to the vehicle is clear. Carry the battery back to vehicle, keep battery in upright position.
15)  Ensure all power and accessories are off in the vehicle.
16)  Connect positive (non-grounded) cable first, and then connect negative (grounded) cable. Ensure that wrench does not touch both terminals at the same time.
17)  Secure battery with approved battery hold down.
Post Job Procedure:
18)  Cleanup work area and put tools away If tools are damaged do not put away give to instructor.
19)  Wash hands after handling battery.
20)  Report any hazardous situations to your supervisor / instructor immediately.
Lockout:
1)  Unplug battery charger.
2)  Apply lockout device to plug end of charger.
3)  Apply lock and tag as per established lockout procedure.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
•  Workplace Safety and Health Act W210, Sections 4, 5, 7
•  Manitoba Regulations 217/2006, Part 02, Section 2.1 Safe Work Procedures
•  Operators Manual
•  CSA Standards