Safety Flash
NOPSEMA: Fire risks associated with electric storage batteries
NOPSEMA: Fire risks associated with electric storage batteries
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 22/15
- Electrical SafetyExplosionHot Work and Fire
- Electrical safetyExplosionFireHydrogen safety
Read at IMCAOpens the publisher’s page on imca-int.com
Summary
This safety flash describes a battery-room fire at a production facility, with no injuries. Leaking electrolyte contacting a conductive cabinet frame was the likely cause. It highlights thermal runaway from short circuits between UPS battery banks and potential explosions involving hydrogen released during lead-acid battery charging.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrogen safety.
Summary
Leaking electrolyte in a UPS battery room may cause short circuits, thermal runaway, fire and potentially explosive hydrogen atmospheres.
IMCA SF 22/15. Themes: electrical safety, explosion, hot work and fire.