Batteries are increasingly being used in a widening array of applications in institutional and commercial facilities, from electric utility vehicles to energy storage systems. To properly address the hazards presented by batteries, a holistic approach to battery safety is needed. Codes and standards exist that address aspects of battery safety, but there is no single, comprehensive code that harmonizes all pertinent codes and standards as the bigger picture.
To address the issue, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is considering the development of a comprehensive standard, proposed as NFPA 800, Battery Safety Code. NFPA’s Standards Council approved the request of the Technical Committee on Battery Safety Code to proceed with the development of proposed standard as a provisional standard.
The standard would provide uniform, minimum requirements to address fire, electrical, life safety and property protection from battery hazards. Requirements are anticipated to include fire, explosion, and other dangerous conditions related to battery technologies as experienced from raw materials and battery production through storage, use and end of life.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
