Aux 1 Unit 16 Q2

Safety is paramount when dealing with large banks of emergency batteries on a vessel. The location and storage of these batteries demand careful consideration and adherence to specific precautions to minimize risks and ensure a safe working environment.

Location:

• Dedicated Battery Room: Ideally, the batteries should be housed in a dedicated, well-ventilated battery room, separate from other machinery spaces and living areas.
• Accessibility: The room should be easily accessible for maintenance and inspection, but also secured to prevent unauthorized access.
• Fire Resistance: The battery room’s construction should have adequate fire resistance to contain any potential fire or explosion.
• Ventilation: The room needs to be well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of hydrogen gas, which is produced during battery charging and can be explosive.
• Drainage: The floor should be sloped and equipped with a drain to allow for safe collection and disposal of any electrolyte spills.

Storage:

• Secure Racking: Batteries should be stored on sturdy, non-conductive racks or shelves that can support their weight and prevent them from tipping or falling.
• Spacing: Maintain adequate spacing between batteries to allow for ventilation and prevent heat buildup.
• Separation from Incompatible Materials: Store batteries away from flammable materials, corrosive substances, and other incompatible materials that could react with the battery or its electrolyte.
• Protection from Damage: Protect batteries from physical damage, moisture, and extreme temperatures.

Additional Precautions:

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation throughout the battery room, even when batteries are not in use, to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen gas.
• Fire Suppression: Install appropriate fire suppression systems in the battery room, such as CO2 or FM-200 systems, designed for electrical fires.
• Eye Wash and Shower: Provide an eyewash station and safety shower in close proximity to the battery room for immediate first aid in case of electrolyte contact with eyes or skin.
• Warning Signs: Display clear warning signs indicating the presence of batteries and potential hazards.
• Spill Kits: Have spill kits readily available to contain and neutralize electrolyte spills.
• Battery Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain batteries, including checking electrolyte levels, cleaning terminals, and testing battery health.
• Personnel Training: Ensure that all crew members are trained in battery safety, handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.   1. VIRSEC launches battery fire awareness course – SuperyachtNews.com www.superyachtnews.com
• Proper Tools and Equipment: Use insulated tools and wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and eye protection, when handling batteries.

Why these precautions are necessary:

• Fire and Explosion Risk: Batteries, especially lead-acid batteries, can generate hydrogen gas during charging, which is highly flammable and explosive. Proper ventilation and fire suppression systems are essential to mitigate this risk.   1. Battery Charging – Industrial Lead-Acid Batteries – CCOHS www.ccohs.ca
• Chemical Hazards: Battery electrolyte is corrosive and can cause severe burns or eye damage. Proper handling, PPE, and emergency eyewash/shower facilities are essential for minimizing these risks.   1. Battery Acid on Skin: What to Do – Healthline www.healthline.com
• Electrical Hazards: Batteries store significant electrical energy and can cause electric shock if not handled properly. Use insulated tools and avoid touching terminals or conductors.   1. Marine DC Electricity – Curtis Stokes Yacht Brokerage www.curtisstokes.net
• Weight and Handling: Large batteries can be heavy and difficult to handle. Proper lifting techniques and secure storage are necessary to prevent injuries.

By adhering to these safety precautions and guidelines, the risks associated with large banks of emergency batteries can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safe working environment and protecting both personnel and equipment on board the vessel.

Weekly routine maintenance on a bank of lead-acid battery cells is crucial to ensure their optimal performance, longevity, and safety. Here are the key tasks that should be carried out:

1. Visual Inspection

• Overall Condition: Check the general condition of the battery bank, looking for signs of physical damage, corrosion, leaks, or loose connections.
• Battery Terminals and Connectors: Inspect terminals and connectors for signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage. Clean and tighten them if necessary.
• Cables and Wiring: Check the condition of cables and wiring for any fraying, insulation damage, or loose connections.

2. Electrolyte Level Check (Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries)

• Only for Flooded Batteries: This check is relevant only for flooded lead-acid batteries where the electrolyte level is visible.
• Check Level: Use a flashlight to check the electrolyte level in each cell. It should be above the top of the plates but below the maximum fill line.
• Top Up: If the level is low, top up with distilled water only, after charging the battery. Avoid overfilling.

3. Voltage Check:

• Individual Cells: Measure the voltage of each individual cell using a multimeter.
• Overall Battery Bank: Measure the overall voltage of the battery bank.
• Compare to Specifications: Compare the readings to the manufacturer’s recommended values. Low voltage readings might indicate a discharged battery or a potential problem with a cell.

4. Specific Gravity Check (Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries)

• Only for Flooded Batteries: This applies only to flooded lead-acid batteries.
• Hydrometer: Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell.
• Charge State Indication: Specific gravity indicates the battery’s state of charge and the health of the cells.
• Compare Readings: Compare the readings across all cells and to the manufacturer’s specifications. Significant variations between cells might indicate a problem.

5. Temperature Check:

• Infrared Thermometer: Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of each battery.
• Identify Hot Spots: Look for any unusually hot batteries, which could indicate a problem like an internal short circuit or overcharging.

6. Cleaning:

• Remove Dust and Debris: Wipe down the battery tops and terminals with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
• Neutralize Acid Spills: If any electrolyte spills occur, neutralize them with a baking soda and water solution, then rinse and dry the area thoroughly.

7. Ventilation:

• Check for Proper Airflow: Ensure the battery compartment is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of hydrogen gas during charging.

8. Record Keeping:

• Maintenance Log: Document all inspection and maintenance activities, including dates, readings, and any observations or corrective actions taken.

Reasons for these maintenance tasks:

• Prevent Corrosion: Regular cleaning and inspection help prevent corrosion on terminals and connectors, ensuring good electrical contact.
• Maintain Electrolyte Levels: Topping up flooded batteries with distilled water prevents the plates from being exposed, which can damage the battery.
• Identify Faulty Cells or Batteries: Voltage and specific gravity checks help identify weak or faulty cells that need attention or replacement.
• Monitor Battery Health: Regular checks help assess the overall health and performance of the battery bank.
• Prevent Overheating: Temperature checks identify potential problems like overcharging or internal shorts that can lead to battery damage or safety hazards.
• Ensure Safety: Proper ventilation and cleaning help prevent the buildup of flammable hydrogen gas and minimize the risk of fire or explosion.

By consistently performing these weekly maintenance tasks, you can proactively identify and address potential problems, ensuring the optimal performance, longevity, and safety of your lead-acid battery bank.