(1) Employers must make sure only designated persons change or charge batteries.
(2) Employers must make sure battery charging and changing is only performed in areas designated for battery charging and changing.
(3) Employers must prohibit smoking and other ignition sources in charging areas.
(4) Employers must make sure filler caps are in place when batteries are being moved.
(5) Employers must apply parking brakes before batteries are charged or changed.
(6) Employers must make sure when a jumper battery is connected to a battery in a vehicle, the ground lead must connect to ground away from the vehicle's battery. Ignition, lights and accessories on the vehicle must be turned off before connections are made.
(7) Employers must make sure batteries are free of corrosion buildup and cap vent holes are open.
(8) Employers must provide adequate ventilation during charging.
(9) Employers must provide facilities for flushing the eyes, body and work area with water wherever electrolyte is handled, except when employees are only checking battery electrolyte levels or adding water.
(10) Employers must use carboy tilters or siphons to handle electrolyte in large containers.
(11) Employers must insulate or otherwise protect battery handling equipment which could contact battery terminals or cell connectors.
(12) Employers must make sure metallic objects are not placed on uncovered batteries.
(13) Employers must make sure vent caps are in place when batteries are being charged.
(14) Employers must turn off chargers when leads are being connected or disconnected.
(15) Employers must secure installed batteries to avoid physical or electrical contact with compartment walls or components.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, 70.54.480, and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 26-07-053, s 296-56-60245, filed 3/17/26, effective 4/20/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 15-24-102, § 296-56-60245, filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60245, filed 1/17/86; WSR 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60245, filed 12/11/84.]