Safety Flash
Near miss: Fire/explosion thermal runaway – lead acid battery
Near miss: Fire/explosion thermal runaway – lead acid battery
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 19/19
- Electrical SafetyExplosionInspection and Maintenance
- Electrical safetyExplosionFire
- Inspection and maintenance
- Operating and work proceduresPreventive maintenanceVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
This safety flash describes an overheated, swollen lead acid battery found aboard a vessel. Charging heat accelerated the internal reaction, and the battery was at the end of its design life. Lessons address periodic maintenance, possible infrared inspection, suitable chargers and procedures, ventilation, fire protection and faulty-battery removal planning.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Charging caused overheating and thermal runaway, highlighting battery inspection, suitable charging procedures, ventilation and emergency controls.
IMCA SF 19/19. Themes: electrical safety, explosion, inspection and maintenance.