Battery storage and maintenance on board: Key considerations

The main types of batteries used on board are:

1. Main battery backup system (in Battery room)
2. Small batteries used on portable equipment
3. Batteries for starting emergency generator and/or boats

For small batteries used on portable equipment and batteries starting emergency generator and boats, storage requirements are the common rules of battery using. In that regard, manufacturers storage requirements should be followed, charging circuit should be checked to be free from dust/liquid presence as well as the cool temperature in storage rooms/areas.

However, for main battery system the storage requirements are included in SOLAS as batteries considered as hazardous risk source on board. Ιn most ships, battery room is an isolated area on open deck (most commonly next to wheel house). A battery room – intended to accommodate the batteries of electric carts and trolleys being charged – is a potentially dangerous area. Charging the battery (particularly those made from lead-acid) releases dangerous gases (eg hydrogen).

Construction Guidelines for Battery Room

• Battery room environment must be dry and well ventilated.
• Charging equipment to be free from dirt, overheating, loose connection and correct functioning of indicators.
• Ventilation arrangement for battery locker to be checked. Battery installation of both lead acid and alkaline needs good ventilation. The fans should be of non-sparking type and should not produce any static charge.
• Independent exhaust fan to be provided
• Inlet duct should be below battery level, and outlet at top of the compartment
• Uses of externally fitted light or flameproof light
• The paint used in the battery room and materials for ducting should be corrosion resistant.
• Cables of adequate size to be well connected
• Use insulated spanner and plastic jug for distilled water, to prevent short circuit

Furthermore, it is of vital importance the battery room not to be next to Emergency Switchboard.  The battery room shall not contain other systems related to the essential services of the ship, pipes shall not penetrate into the battery room as leakage of the pipe may cause damage or failure of the battery system. However, in case of unavoidable installation of pipes, the pipe joints shall be welded joints, and flanges, threaded joints or mechanical joints shall not be used

A system should be installed to provide in engine room the following information:

• Battery room temperature
• Operating condition of the ventilation system in the battery room
• Operating condition of the cooling system in the battery room

In addition, the battery room temperature should be maintained at 15 ~ 25 °C, the door of batter room shall be kept closed at all times and an alarm signal shall be issued upon opening or a self-closing door shall be installed. Steel works and decks adjacent to lead acid battery, should be painted with acid proof paint.

Key equipment of Battery Room

Apart from the aforementioned construction requirements, a battery room onboard should be equipped with the following for enhanced safety:

1. Eye Wash station
2. Portable dry powder fire extinguishers or CO2 fire extinguishers of at least 5 kg capacity near the battery room
3. Personal protection equipment (PPE) for testing and handling the batteries, including face shield or eye-glasses, chemical handling gloves, chemical resistant shoes or boots, a suitable apron. PPE must be stowed clear of the batteries to avoid possible contamination from battery acid
4. A “No Smoking/No flame/No naked light” sign posted out of the door
5. Electric resistance floor
6. Battery Log, for inspection purposes to record checks, inspections and batteries’ maintenance during intervals required by Safety Management System and manufacturers’ instructions

Maintenance Guidelines for Battery Room

As all systems on board, batteries should be also checked for adequate operational condition and maintained if required. Inspections and maintenance intervals are needed as per Safety Management System and manufacturers’ requirements. Most generic items for maintenance are:

1. The batteries to be maintained in a full charge condition and charging circuit is always connected
2. Battery installation and its charging rectifier to be checked
3. Battery tops shall be clean and dry, and terminal nuts must be tight and a smear of petroleum jelly applied to prevent corrosion
4. Electrolyte at proper level, and shall have correct value of specific gravity by checking with a hydrometer.
5. Batteries to be filled with distilled water as there is a loss of water during charging.
6. Terminals of battery should be smeared with petroleum jelly and should be kept clean.
7. Metal tools used for maintenance to be plastic coated

Key precautions during maintenance

During maintenance the following precautions should be taken in order to avoid risks and injury:

1.Battery Acid

Sulfuric acid in a battery is corrosive and can severely burn the skin or eyes, eat through clothing or even a concrete floor. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when working on batteries or any UPS equipment.

2. Flammable gases

Batteries emit flammable hydrogen gas, especially during charge and discharge cycles. Hydrogen ignites easily and can cause a fire or explosion if allowed to accumulate in a small area. Hydrogen is not toxic, but at high concentrations is a highly explosive gas. In such concentration, all it takes is a source of ignition to cause an explosion. Sparking from a battery terminal as it is connected or disconnected from the charging system is more than adequate as a source of ignition energy. Check of adequate room ventilation

3.Electrical Shock

Batteries are stored energy devices, meaning no overload protection is available if the battery is connected improperly or short-circuited. Always keep a voltmeter handy to verify correct polarity and expected voltage levels when connecting strings of batteries. Exercise caution when working with metallic tools or conductors to prevent short circuits and sparks. Remove rings, watches and loose jewelry when working with batteries. Never lay tools or other metal parts on top of a battery.

4. Battery Weight

Battery Cells used on board can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds apiece.  Use safe lifting techniques while exercising caution of electric shock. Do not attempt to stop a battery if it slides out of the equipment.