POWERCARE & SERVICE SOLUTIONS, INC.
FEBRUARY, 2011
FROM:
MANAGER
TO:
ALL TEAM MEMBERS
SUBJECT: LEAD AWARENESS PROGRAM
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the policy is to establish an awareness of safety while handling and cleaning
lead acid batteries. PowerCare’s lead awareness policy specifically denotes the handling
and cleaning of batteries in our line business. Team members entering into a customer
facility must be aware of lead warning signs posted in their facility.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR:
The Manager of Operations is responsible for the overall implementation of all Safety
programs and policies. All new hire and existing team members shall review this policy and
sign the document. A record of this document shall be posted in the team member’s folder.
GENERAL:
It is important to follow all proper handling instructions when working with batteries. Each
team member shall be aware of the risks involved when working with lead acid batteries. All
aspects of handling batteries shall follow the proper safety and handling procedures as
directed in battery manuals (IEEE standards i.e. Std 1188-2005 and/or manufacturer
specifications, MSDS sheets), company safety policies and/or OSHA regulation.
When entering a customer facility, team members shall be are aware of activities where
lead containing coatings or paint are present: rivet busting; dry expendable abrasives are
used; and abrasive blasting enclosure movement and removal, welding, cutting or torch
burning. The customer or facility shall post warning signs to contractors entering into an
environment which contains lead abatement, painting or drilling.
Team member shall not work in areas where the process stated in the above paragraph is
taking place, unless the team members was trained by the customer based on the
customer’s training program, or the activity has halted and it is cleared to enter into the
location. At no time will a team member disturb lead containing materials.
The team member shall be aware of all signs posted by the customer and/or facility. The
signs can be listed as: WARNING, LEAD WORK AREA, POISON, NO SMOKING OR
EATING.
POLICY # 44__2011
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Issue 2
HANDLING LEAD ACID BATTERIES:
All team members handling lead acid batteries including but not limited to cleaning battery
terminal, repairing, or removing corrosion from batteries must wear and use Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE).
WHAT TO WEAR:
1) Safety glasses (non-fogging) with side shields, goggles, or face shields.
2) Protective gloves (Nitro/Nitrile - Provide excellent protection against chemical
splashes, and resist nicks, cuts and abrasions)
3) Face mask approved for light sanding (N95/NIOSH approved) i.e. 3M N95 Particle
Respirator 8200 mask – this is used for cleaning terminal without using a No-Oxide
agent.
4) Safety Shoes – acid resistant
5) Aprons – acid resistant
6) Uniforms or designated work clothing (clothing should be cleaned separately from
other clothes or be professionally cleaned to avoid contamination from battery acid
and lead)
WORKING AROUND BATTERIES:
1) Clean battery terminals by using adequate amount No Oxide grease and a ScotchBrite Pad.
a) Or, for extra precaution, use a Scotch-Brite pad and wear face mask approved
for light sanding (N95/NIOSH approved) i.e. 3M N95 Particle Respirator 8200
mask
2) Area or room must have adequate ventilation
3) After handling batteries wash hands using a specially formalized hand soap or hand
wipe towels for cleaning/removing lead and other chemicals off skin - product name
D-Lead®.
a) Hands must be washed prior to performing any other activities, such as but not
limited to, eating, drinking, smoking, etc.
b) Hand hygiene – wet your hands, use soap, lather and scrub – 20 seconds
(between fingers/under nails/ and tops of your hands), rinse – 10 seconds, dry
hands.
Team member has read and understood the above safety hazards. Please sign and date
document.
Name:_____________________________________ Date:___________________
Manager:___________________________________ Date:___________________
POLICY # 44__2011
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Issue 2