| Step | Potential Hazard | Control Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Set up collection area | Vehicle traffic, poor signage, incompatible materials | Establish a designated battery drop off zone; use cones, barriers, and clear signage |
| Don required PPE | Chemical exposure, acid burns, metal cuts | Wear safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, and steel toe boots |
| Inspect incoming batteries | Leaking batteries, swollen lithium packs, broken casings | Visual check at safe distance; isolate leaking or swollen batteries immediately |
| Instruct customers | Vehicle movement, mishandling | Ask customers to stay in vehicle; collect batteries yourself when possible |
| Remove batteries from vehicle | Dropped batteries, acid contact, heavy lifting | Use two hands; avoid tilting lead acid batteries; place in approved containers |
| Separate battery types | Short circuits, fires, chemical reactions | Use separate containers for lithium ion, alkaline, lead acid, and button cells; never mix types |
| Tape terminals of lithium ion and button cells | Sparks, short circuit, fire hazard | Cover terminals with electrical tape; ensure all exposed contacts are taped |
| Handle lead acid batteries | Acid spills, broken casings, heavy weight | Keep upright; place into acid resistant trays; avoid stacking; use team lift for large batteries |
| Place batteries into storage containers | Crushing, tipping, improper stacking | Use sturdy, labeled containers; avoid overfilling; keep containers closed when not actively loading |
| Manage swollen, damaged, or overheating batteries | Fire risk, chemical exposure | Place in fire resistant container with sand or inert absorbent; move to isolation area outdoors |
| Respond to battery spills | Acid burns, toxic materials | Use spill kit; apply baking soda to neutralize acid; dispose of cleanup materials according to regulations |
| Store full containers | Fire risk, accidental mixing | Keep containers in a cool dry place away from ignition sources; segregate lithium from lead acid and alkaline |
| Prepare pallets for shipment | Tipping hazards, heavy items | Use pallet jack or forklift if trained; shrink wrap containers securely; label according to state rules |
| Load transport vehicle | Drop hazards, roll away risks | Use trained operators; maintain communication; ensure pallets are secured |
| End of day cleanup | Residual chemicals, trip hazards | Sweep area; check for loose batteries; remove damaged PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Document collected batteries | Regulatory non compliance | Record quantities and battery types; complete shipping manifests as required |
High visibility vest or jacket (if working around vehicles)
Safety glasses or face shield
Cut resistant and chemical resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Disposable coveralls for spill response (optional)
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Solid Waste and Recycling Operations
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Set up collection area | Vehicle traffic, poor signage, incompatible materials | Establish a designated battery drop off zone; use cones, barriers, and clear signage |
| Don required PPE | Chemical exposure, acid burns, metal cuts | Wear safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, and steel toe boots |
| Inspect incoming batteries | Leaking batteries, swollen lithium packs, broken casings | Visual check at safe distance; isolate leaking or swollen batteries immediately |
| Instruct customers | Vehicle movement, mishandling | Ask customers to stay in vehicle; collect batteries yourself when possible |
| Remove batteries from vehicle | Dropped batteries, acid contact, heavy lifting | Use two hands; avoid tilting lead acid batteries; place in approved containers |
| Separate battery types | Short circuits, fires, chemical reactions | Use separate containers for lithium ion, alkaline, lead acid, and button cells; never mix types |
| Tape terminals of lithium ion and button cells | Sparks, short circuit, fire hazard | Cover terminals with electrical tape; ensure all exposed contacts are taped |
| Handle lead acid batteries | Acid spills, broken casings, heavy weight | Keep upright; place into acid resistant trays; avoid stacking; use team lift for large batteries |
| Place batteries into storage containers | Crushing, tipping, improper stacking | Use sturdy, labeled containers; avoid overfilling; keep containers closed when not actively loading |
| Manage swollen, damaged, or overheating batteries | Fire risk, chemical exposure | Place in fire resistant container with sand or inert absorbent; move to isolation area outdoors |
| Respond to battery spills | Acid burns, toxic materials | Use spill kit; apply baking soda to neutralize acid; dispose of cleanup materials according to regulations |
| Store full containers | Fire risk, accidental mixing | Keep containers in a cool dry place away from ignition sources; segregate lithium from lead acid and alkaline |
| Prepare pallets for shipment | Tipping hazards, heavy items | Use pallet jack or forklift if trained; shrink wrap containers securely; label according to state rules |
| Load transport vehicle | Drop hazards, roll away risks | Use trained operators; maintain communication; ensure pallets are secured |
| End of day cleanup | Residual chemicals, trip hazards | Sweep area; check for loose batteries; remove damaged PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Document collected batteries | Regulatory non compliance | Record quantities and battery types; complete shipping manifests as required |
High visibility vest or jacket (if working around vehicles)
Safety glasses or face shield
Cut resistant and chemical resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Disposable coveralls for spill response (optional)