NZQA Expiring unit standard
15379 version 4
Page 1 of 4
Title
Demonstrate knowledge of, and service traction batteries on electric
forklifts
Level
3
Credits
3
Purpose
This unit standard is for people in the forklift engineering and
related industries. People credited with this unit standard are
able to: demonstrate knowledge of traction type batteries and
their service requirements; test and replace batteries on electric
forklifts; and maintain traction batteries and associated cables
and connections.
Classification
Motor Industry > Automotive Electrical and Electronics
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Unit 233, Service an automotive battery, or demonstrate
equivalent knowledge and skills.
Critical health and
safety prerequisites
Explanatory notes
The following legislation and amendments are required to be consulted and followed
where applicable:
–
Health and Safety in Employment Act, 1992.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of traction type batteries and their service requirements.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Features of a traction battery, and differences compared with automotive
batteries are identified.
Range
plate construction, capacity, service life, number of cells, cell rating
and total voltage (24V, 48V, 72V), terminal connector, intergrated
battery box.
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation
(Incorporated)
SSB Code 101542
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
1.2
Battery function and discharge characteristics are described according to
battery manufacturer’s specifications.
Range
1.3
action of plates during charge and discharge, electrolyte specific
gravity changes with temperature, determining final discharge
voltage limit and avoiding over-discharge.
Battery charging procedure and precautions are described according to battery
manufacturer’s specifications.
Range
1.4
15379 version 4
Page 2 of 4
setting and using a battery charger, calculating charging rate,
noting electrolyte temperature during charging, checking
electrolyte volume, observing safety precautions.
Battery handling and maintenance procedures are described according to
battery manufacturer’s specifications.
Range
avoiding frequent and repeated over-discharge and over-charging;
maintaining correct electrolyte level, specific gravity and voltage
conditions; keeping the battery case and top clean from oil, grease
and other materials; maintaining batteries not used for an
extended period of time; keeping battery maintenance records;
ensuring batteries are safely secured; working around or near
batteries; avoiding shorts; checking condition of leads, terminals
and connections; removing and replacing batteries; effects of
vibration on batteries; lifting heavy loads verses battery service
life.
Outcome 2
Test and replace batteries on electric forklifts.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The suitability of a traction battery for a particular application is determined.
Range
2.2
24 volt to 72 volt systems;
consulting manufacturer’s specifications, determining work
environment, identifying ampere-hour capacity requirements.
Battery operation is checked during service to determine supply faults.
Range
effects of temperature, low voltage, ground leakage, cleanliness,
electrolyte levels, specific gravity and interpretation of hydrometer
readings.
2.3
Batteries are removed and installed according to manufacturer’s
recommendations, and with due regard to safe working practices.
2.4
Battery locking devices are replaced according to manufacturer’s
recommendations.
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation
(Incorporated)
SSB Code 101542
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
15379 version 4
Page 3 of 4
Outcome 3
Maintain traction batteries and associated cables and connections.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Battery is prepared for charging according to battery manufacturer’s
specifications.
Range
determining condition of battery, cleaning the battery, obtaining
and storing electrolyte, topping up cells, calculating charging rate,
connecting to the charger.
3.2
Batteries are fully charged in the manner determined by the charging method.
3.3
Safety precautions are observed throughout the charging process.
Range
no naked flames or smoking, avoidance of inhaling fumes, no
short circuits caused by tools or lifting devices, no loose or faulty
connections, monitoring temperature of electrolyte, switching off
charger before disconnecting cables and plugs, reconnecting
battery to equipment after charging.
3.4
Equalising charge is performed according to forklift maintenance schedule.
3.5
Battery maintenance schedule is carried out according to forklift manufacturer’s
specifications.
Range
3.6
Care and maintenance procedures when receiving a new battery are identified.
Range
3.7
checking for any traces of leakage, unpacking, checking specific
gravity of all cells, supplementary charging, cleaning the surface of
the battery.
Short term storage procedures for batteries are carried out according to battery
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Range
3.8
daily, weekly, and monthly inspections and maintenance of
records.
conditions of the storage place, supplementary charge and
cleaning for maintenance, care of charging plugs if stored in forklift
truck.
Battery supply cables, terminals, interlinks, and connections are inspected for
faults, and any faults identified are rectified.
Range
repair, replacement.
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation
(Incorporated)
SSB Code 101542
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
3.9
15379 version 4
Page 4 of 4
Safety precautions are carried out during general maintenance and repairs.
Range
wearing protective clothing; lifting; supporting; mixing electrolyte;
preventing acid spillage; ventilation requirements; ensuring all
connections are tight; protecting against shorting; using correct
tools; storing, handling, and disposing of batteries; associated
dangers and effects of contamination in electrolyte; provision of
charging areas; environmental considerations related to traction
batteries.
Replacement information
This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard
24136 and unit standard 24137.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by
the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
23 February 1999
31 December 2016
Revision
2
16 April 2003
31 December 2016
Review
3
25 January 2008
31 December 2016
Rollover
4
19 November 2010
31 December 2016
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0014
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, or
an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can
report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading
to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Consent requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation
(Incorporated)
SSB Code 101542
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016