Information Alert
Battery Bull Fork Lift Battery Lifting Devices
This information does not represent a published Ministry of Labour Alert. It is being provided to alert you to this specific hazard and to assist you with an assessment of the hazard and implementation of a program that addresses work activities on Battery Bull forklift battery lifting devices.
Hazard Summary
A worker was fatally injured when working in proximity to a Battery Bull battery lifting device in a warehouse. The worker suffered fatal injuries after being pinned by the moving ‘bridge’ (used to position the battery positioning magnet) and the frame of the battery compartment.
The device is an automated battery handling machine that deploys a magnet to extract or position batteries from or into forklifts and similar battery operated equipment, pulling or pushing them onto the battery storage compartment. Pinch points may be present at the rack and pinion system along which the bridge moves, at the base of the machine between the frame and the elevating battery compartment, and between the bridge and the machine frame.
The machine is operated by a worker from the driving/control cabinet at the front of the machine. The operator is able to drive in the forward or reverse directions (the operator always stands facing forward) along a track, and the main battery compartment is capable of elevating (similar to a scissor lift) to allow batteries to be extracted from or positioned on a multi-level battery charging area.
Location and Sectors
All locations and sectors where forklifts and similar battery operated equipment are used. Battery Bull units are constructed for their specific application at the premise in which they operate. As a result, operation of the device may differ from premise to premise.
Applicable Legislation
Sections 24 and 25 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Reg. 851) require that equipment be guarded to prevent access to a moving part or pinch point. Workers who work in close proximity to the Battery Bull may be endangered by the pinch points on the device.
Section 20 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Reg. 851) requires that barriers, warning signs or other safeguards be used where vehicle or pedestrian traffic may endanger worker safety. The structure of the equipment and location of the driving/control cabinet has the potential to impede the operator’s view of the path of travel and the machine is quiet when in operation, which may prevent pedestrians from hearing the device.
Section 12 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Reg. 851) requires that clearances between a moving part of any machine or any material carried by the moving part of the machine and any other machine, structure or thing be adequate to ensure that the safety of any worker in the area is not endangered.
Sub Section 45(a) of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Reg. 851) requires that material, articles or things required to be lifted, carried or moved, be lifted, carried or moved in such a way and with such precautions and safeguards as will ensure that the lifting, carrying or moving of the material, articles or things does not endanger the safety of any worker.
The requirements of Sections 51 and 52 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Reg. 851) apply as the Battery Bull is considered to be a lifting device as defined in the Regulations for Industrial Establishments.
Additional Considerations
Where a Battery Bull battery lifting device is in operation in close proximity to other workers, measures should be taken to comply with the requirements of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments noted above, in addition to the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
As the operator’s compartment is fitted with an interlocked gate, the requirements of Section 7 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments would apply and a Pre-start Health and Safety Review should be conducted prior to commissioning this device.
Other References
- CSA Standard Z432-04 Safeguarding of Machinery
- CSA Standard B354.2-01 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
How IAPA Can Help
IAPA has a variety of training and information resources on safe lifting.
If you have this device on your premises, IAPA can help you assess potential hazards and implement a program on working safely with battery bull forklift battery lifting devices. Call 1.800.406.IAPA (4272).