Hydrogen Gas Production and Ventilation During Battery Charging
When charging lead-acid batteries used with forklifts, hydrogen gas is produced as a by-product, particularly as the batteries reach their maximum charging capacity. This occurs as a result of the electrolysis of water, where the charging electrical current splits water in the electrolyte into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Oxygen is present in high concentrations in the air we breathe, but hydrogen is a rare and flammable gas that can ignite spontaneously, causing a dangerous explosion if it accumulates. Due to this risk, charging rooms for forklift and other lead-acid batteries require specialized ventilation and monitoring systems to keep the concentration of hydrogen gas usually less than 1%.
To ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines, it is recommended to consult with organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as national, state, local, and industry-specific organizations.
NOTICE: The information provided by this battery room ventilation calculator is for illustrative purposes only. While reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy, MTC is not responsible for errors or omissions and does not guarantee any of the information. Consult with a certified professional to determine requirements.