Battery Storage

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AlishaE

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One the facilities of my organization rents recreational gear, such as Bass and Jon boats, to the public; with the boats we also issue batteries. The batteries, (6) total, set on the floor of our warehouse when they are not in use (not a locked room but the area is accessible only to employees). Recently, a Fire Inspector told us that the batteries had to be stored in a flammable locker. He sited NFPA 70E, 320.4(A) and (C). After reading Article 320.4 I feel like it is being mis-applied to the situation (I pictured battery banks and UPS boxes).

In another one of my facilities we have batteries for resale, like you would see at Auto Zone or Walmart. If we are truley required to place our (6) rec batteries in a locker or deticated battery room, then I would think the same would apply to our resale batteries.

Any guidance or clarification in reference to NFPA 70E, 320.4 would greatly be appreciated.
 
I do believe this inspector is misguided. Battery rooms are places of backup power for the facility.

Now, if you were actually performing maintenance on these batteries, then there would be other requirements, but even that doesn't require them to be stored in lockers.

Also, have him look at the definition and scope of NFPA 70E 320.

Battery Room- "Room specifically intended for the installation of batteries that have no other protective enclosure."
 
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