Manufacture and repair of electrical accumulators
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Lead-acid (and other) storage-battery making and repair.
Principal hazards
- Lead, lead oxide and lead dust/fume
- Sulphuric acid mist
- Hydrogen gas (charging - explosive)
- Cadmium/nickel (alkaline batteries)
Health effects
Lead poisoning (anaemia, neuropathy, nephropathy, reproductive harm), acid burns and dental/respiratory effects, explosion/burn injury, cadmium toxicity.
Key engineering controls
Enclosed pasting/oxide handling with LEV; wet methods and HEPA cleaning for lead dust; acid mist extraction; ventilation/explosion protection in charging rooms; blood-lead biological monitoring; segregated clean facilities and no eating/smoking in process areas.
PPE
- PAPR or air-fed respirators for lead
- Acid-resistant gloves, aprons and boots
- Disposable/laundered coveralls
- Goggles/face shields
- Eyewash and showers
This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.