Page 299 - Installation Training Binder FIT1-3

APPLICATION BRIEF 1007

Is Spill Containment Required for Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries?

Is Spill Containment Required for Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries?

Lead-acid batteries are an excellent choice for backup power when installed properly and in accordance with industry standards,
codes and regulations. This document describes the compliance requirements and how to avert unplanned costs due to:
• Costly retrofit • Project delays
• Violations and potential fines • High cost of an incident
Save now by installing spill containment with the new battery installation and prevent the potential high cost of retrofit.
Installing spill containment up-front when ooded batteries are installed costs only 1.5% to 2.5% of the backup power system
cost; but will prevent an added 8% cost when installed later due to the extensive retrofit labor.
Why use EnviroGuard’s UL Listed systems verses epoxy?

EnviroGuard’s UL Listed spill containment systems utilize a modular barrier and thick liner that is preformed at the factory for
liquid tight, reliable containment to:
• Lower cost of compliance • Eliminate installation errors
• Decrease setup time and costs • Reduce maintenance time and costs
• Ensure compliance and acceptance by AHJ

EnviroGuard spill containment systems install in less time to reduce the total cost of setup over epoxy spill containment systems.
What Authorities Enforce Spill Containment?

Compliance is defined as being in accordance with established guidelines, standards, codes and regulations. Codes are a set of
standards established and enforced by federal, state and local “Authorities Having Jurisdiction”.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): An organization, oce, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or
standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure. – Denition adopted by NFPA .

To avoid a costly retrofit, install EnviroGuard spill containment upfront to meet the requirements of all AHJ:
• Fire Marshals and Inspectors
• Hazmat Inspectors OSHA E PA
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Hazmat F acility
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Fgure 1 Insp ecto rs Ow ners
• Facility Owners and Property Managers Authorities Having
• Commercial Insurance Standards Jurisdiction F ire Insurers
• Corporate Environmental Policies and Managers M arshal " Green"
Po licy
What inuences spill containment enforcement?
Lead acid batteries contain materials that are classified as hazardous and require spill prevention, control and countermeasure
planning. Codes and regulations vary by city and local municipality. Legacy codes and inconsistent enforcement of spill
containment persists. Many AHJ continue to enforce the requirements of the 1999 Uniform Fire Code Article 64 as the approved
method and materials for spill control and neutralization.

6404.4 Spill Control. Each rack of batteries or group of racks shall be provided with a liquid tight 4-inch spill-control barrier which
extends at least 1 inch beyond the battery rack in all directions.
6404.5 Neutralization. An approved method to neutralize spilled electrolyte shall be provided. The method shall be capable of
neutralizing a spill from the largest lead-acid battery to a pH between 7.0 - 9.0.