Welcome to Kokam

Battery Safety

It’s important to establish good safety and maintenance procedures to get the most out of your batteries and chargers and to keep your employees safe. Kokam Battery representatives can provide safety equipment as well as guidelines and training.

Some safety and maintenance tips include: 

  1. Do not smoke, use an open flame or create and arch or sparks in the vicinity of a battery. Gases produced by a battery can be explosive. Keep the charging area well ventilated. 
  2. Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which may cause severe burns. In case of contact, flush immediately and thoroughly with water. Obtain medical attention when eyes are affected. 
  3. When handling or working on a battery, we recommend wearing a face shield, plastic or rubber gloves and apron. 
  4. A battery is electrically live at all times. Do not lay metal objects on a battery. Do not wear jewelry while servicing a battery. Use insulated tools when working on a battery. 
  5. Turn off the charger before disconnecting the battery. Disconnect the battery from the charger before working on a battery. When lifting the battery, use a lifting device with two hooks that are electrically insulated from each other to prevent short circuits.  
  6. Keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Clean and neutralize the battery regularly with a Legacy cleaning products. 
  7. To gain maximum battery life:  
    • Limit discharge to 80% of the battery’s rated capacity. 
    • Charge in a cool location. 
    • Give the battery good ventilation and circulate air over the battery during recharge. 
    • All the battery to cool down after discharge and after recharge. 
    • If batteries are regularly discharged to 80%, set charger for weekly equalize charges. 
  8. Always add water to a battery. Never add acid or other solutions. To gain maximum watering interval: 
    • Adjust cell filler to maximum possible height. 
    • Water while the battery is on charge and gassing. 
    • Do not add water until actual visual inspection shows the tops of separators/plates are visible. 
    • Upon establishing a repetitive routine, water the battery at that interval.  
  9. Ensure all vent caps are in place and tight. 
  10. Only authorized Kokam Battery Representatives may service a charger.  

For detailed operating instructions and safety precautions, refer to the manual provided with the battery or charger.  

Refer to OSHA regulations pertaining to battery handling. Helpful summaries of select OSHA regulations include 1910.132(d), 1910.151, 1910.178(g) 1910.179(n).