Battery, 1; Person, 0

Battery vs. Person; Battery Wins

This could be re-titled, "two guys being stupid", but we'll stick with the sports analogy to be politically correct. The men were checking the battery and the battery won. Another accident that shouldn't have happened. But remember, they probably thought, "It Can't Happen To Me".

Here is the Executive Summary: Use extreme caution when charging batteries.

A worker suffered temporary hearing loss and acid burns to his face and eyes when a battery exploded as he was leaning over it to check the acid levels. He was not wearing any protective equipment. The forklift battery was being charged and was still connected to the battery charger. As the worker was checking the acid level, a co-worker turned on the forklift ignition and it is believed that this triggered the explosion. The negative charger cable clip was attached incorrectly to the negative post of the battery instead of to the chassis or engine, away from the battery. This particular battery charger was not equipped with a feature that allows the engine to be started while the battery is still attached to the charger.

So the guy didn't die. Small consolation. An acid burn to the face and eyes and a little deafness is bound to wreck his day, and that of the company safety record as well. Read some Safe Work Practices below, and feel free to comment on any others you can think of.

Safe work practices:

1. Wear the required Personal Protective Equipment.
2. Employers, ensure the adequate instruction of workers in the safe performance of their duties. (that's why we train, folks!)
3. Follow all manufacturer's instructions for batteries and chargers when charging batteries, or checking acid levels.
4. Make the 'negative' cable connection to the engine block or chassis of a vehicle — never to the battery.
5. Use proper eye and face protection when checking the battery fluid levels.
6. Provide facilities to immediately cleanse contaminated body areas where workers may be exposed to corrosive or other chemicals harmful to the eyes or skin. (look for the nearest eyewash and shower, in case the battery wins again).