Report

Subject:                     Fire Pump - Standby Batteries

Date of Email report:   Thu 11/12/2008

Report Detail:

December 1, 2008 Anacortes Refinery
An Operations Supervisor was starting a diesel firewater pump when the battery exploded.  The batteries are used to start diesel firewater pumps. The pumps were being started as part of routine periodic checks.  Fortunately the employee was not immediately near the batteries and was shielded by the pumps when the battery ruptured.See any similarities?  This is two significant battery failures in the same type of service (stand-by batteries constantly charging).

May 26 Hawaii Refinery
While operator was attempting to start a firewater pump (P-I 259) diesel driver, a battery located at the base of the compartment used for the starting system exploded. The explosion ripped the top off the battery (one of four), spraying sulfuric acid onto the front portion of the operators body. Flying battery debris struck the operator on the left shin and in the face, cutting his lip and spraying him with acid.
If your location has batteries in this type of service, you should consider these questions

• Are batteries shielded to protect workers in the area in case of a similar incident?
• Can the liquid batteries be replaced with Gel Batteries?
  
• Are Battery Tenders installed to prevent overcharging batteries?
  
• Do the electrical inspectors have the appropriate equipment (testers) for testing?
  
• Are eye flushing facilities near by?