OSHA Instruction October 30, 1978 STD 1-11.4

OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #100-72

TO: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS/OSHA

THRU: DONALD E. MACKENZIE Field Coordinator

Subject: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(2); Battery Charging Stations for Fork Lifts and Other Industrial Trucks

1. Purpose

The purpose of this directive is to clarify the subject standard as it applies to "battery charging" areas where power industrial truck batteries are charged only.

2. Documentation Affected

This directive supersedes Field Information Memorandum #74-63 dated August 6. 1974.

3. Background

a. A representative from industry wrote and personally visited the National Office to obtain clarification of 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(2) as it applies to industrial truck "battery charging" stations not related to changing and charging as described in the standard.

b. The visit was initiated because a Compliance Safety and health Officer (CSHO), while conducting an inspection of a large warehouse under construction, advised the employer that when he (the CSHO) returns to inspect the facility at a future date, all industrial truck charging stations throughout the facility would have to be equipped in the manner described in 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(2).

OSHA INSTRUCTION STD 1-11.4 OCTOBER 30, 1978

4. Action

"Battery charging" areas where power industrial truck batteries are charged only--no maintenance is performed, batteries are not removed from the trucks and no electrolyte is present in the area--are not subject to the requirement of 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(2). The charging areas shall be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(1), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (12). Personal protective equipment shall be used when and where required.

5. Effective Date

This directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect until canceled or superseded.

Richard P. Wilson Deputy director, Federal Compliance and State Programs

DISTRIBUTION:

A-1 E-1 B-2 HEW-1 C-1 NIOSH Regional Directors-1 D-4&5 NACOSH-1 Training Institute-4