Health and Safety in the workplace is an increasingly hot topic, and is particularly important when undertaking battery charging and maintenance. COSHH regulations place an emphasis on assessing potential risks and taking the appropriate measures to ensure personnel are working in a safe environment – especially when operating in areas with hazardous substances such as acid. Chloride Motive Power (CMP) can offer factories and warehouses that use traction batteries a dedicated 'Health and Safety Station', which can be wall-mounted in the charger room. It contains items to protect workers as well as emergency items for use in the event of an accident.
This purpose-designed station contains essential clothing and equipment for use during maintenance and topping up operations including rubber gloves, face visor, breathing masks, eyewash and soda ash to neutralise acid spills. One safety station is recommended for up to 20 batteries in a charging area.
CMP are happy to advise managers on their obligations towards employee safety in the charger room and offer free posters that act as a permanent reminder on correct working practices in the charger room. Roger Cole, National Service Manager, Uk & Ireland, comments, "The free battery care posters, combined with the Health & Station are a very cost-effective way for employers to meet their legal obligations under COSHH; if the worst happens, first-aid action can be taken which could, for example, mean that an injured person's sight could be saved in the event of an acid splash to the eye."
It is however imperative that the Health and Safety Station remains fully stocked. Individual components can be re-ordered when required from CMP on 01204 661460.