MSDS for Forklift Battery - Do I need to get an MSDS for our forklift batteries?

[dkmnem]

I asked the question due to the findings of an environmental audit that was performed at our facility in PA. We have 36 electric forklifts and have been told that we do need to report Sulfuric Acid on our PA. Tier II reports. We do occasionally add water to a battery but, other than that activity, charging in the forklift is the normal interaction our people have with the battery. I certainly want to comply with the governmental requirements but find there is confusion even among experts as to just what those requirements are. Our company had the audit performed in preparation for ISO 14000 certification.

 

[Doug Tropf]

If the battery is a consumer commodity do you still need to report the acid on your Tier II report? The threshold for Sulfuric Acid is 500# but if we do not service the battery, other than charging in the forklift, is there a need to report? Thanks

This is from a Tier II Reporting Guide regarding lead-acid batteries:

If the total amount of sulfuric acid in all the batteries is above 500 pounds, the sulfuric acid must be reported. Determine the total weight of sulfuric acid in the batteries by using the following formula:

Weight of battery x 0.18 (factor) = estimated weight of sulfuric acid

 

[bobdoering]

MSDS's are primarily a safety document for workers in the workplace and are required of manufacturers to generate.
... Now if someone is adament about a MSDS sheet for a battery in a forklift then they better come up with an emergency shower that can be kept within 10 feet of that worker at all times that he/she is around the battery because the battery contains corrosive material.

I am not doubting you are right, but I am thinking that it is pitiful. So, your lift truck driver rolls it off the dock. The batteries crack and are leaking all over the dock. But, because you were worried about a liability of an emergency shower, you opted not to have an MSDS sheet. I guess you hose it down the drain and dump the batteries in the dumpster...

Now, MSDS for water-based white out? Might as well have a NFPA label on the drinking fountain.

 

[Randy]

9 times out of 10 the msds will only say clean up any spill according to regulations or a defined spill control procedure.

Now the problem in the case you provide isn't the battery, it's the competence of the driver or the situation or hazards present that were the cause of the forklift accident to begin with.

 

[bobdoering]

9 times out of 10 the msds will only say clean up any spill according to regulations or a defined spill control procedure.

True. Sometimes it has some information that is not always obvious - on occasion better than guessing. Most MSDSs are watered down to protect the guilty. Thank the lawyers.

Now the problem in the case you provide isn't the battery, it's the competence of the driver or the situation or hazards present that were the cause of the forklift accident to begin with.

Ya think? Now, this couldn't really happen in real life, could it? Even with a towmotor license.... Net result is Professional Liquid Plumber down the drain...

 

[Randy]

The actual net is if the stuff goes down the drain the local POTW will probably levy a big fine and issue a NOV.

And kinda as Doug said.....ya gotta have about a gazillion batteries before you need to do the Tier 2...........Been there, done that.