Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are using renewable energy to power more homes and businesses than ever before. If installed incorrectly or not safely commissioned, they pose serious safety risks. A BESS must be installed by a properly licenced electrician.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the technologies we simply know as batteries that are big enough to power your business. Power from renewables, like solar and wind, are stored in a BESS for later use. They come in different shapes and sizes, suit different applications and settings, and use different technologies and chemicals to do their job.
They play an important role in green energy supplies and make renewable energy more reliable. Sometimes they are connected to the main power grid to supply unused or excess power for others.
There are three main types of BESS:
They are a serious safety risk if not correctly installed or commissioned. They can cause:
Battery cells can deliver a severe electrical shock when interconnected as battery banks, reaching hazardous voltage levels. There will also be 240-volt rated parts or other components on the energy regulators and inverters that have hazardous voltages.
Most lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen and oxygen gases when charging and so need good ventilation to avoid an explosion or fire. Other battery types may also emit gases and also need good ventilation.
Lithium-ion batteries do not produce any exhaust gases during normal operation, but they can produce flammable gases if there is a fault.
Fire and explosions can also result from excessive temperatures (either under normal operating conditions or due to an overload), component failure, short circuit or loose connections.
A battery has sufficient energy to cause an arc flash if it short circuits, or if a fault occurs. An arc flash can have temperatures above 12,000°C, capable of melting metal or causing fires and explosions, and cause arc flash injuries. Generally, higher battery energy storage capacities have a higher risk of arc flash.
Battery casings can degrade or be damaged from a variety of impacts. They can also rupture because of excessive temperatures generated from a change in chemical reaction from over-charging. If a battery casing is ruptured, the fluid or gel (electrolyte) inside can leak, resulting in toxic fumes, burns, corrosion or explosions.
Workers and management can work together to reduce the risks of battery energy storage systems.
As a worker, you must:
You have legal responsibilities as outlined in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) for the health and safety of every worker and visitor.
By following the four-step risk management process below you should meet your responsibilities under these laws. Where the WHS Act and the Electrical Safety Act both apply the Electrical Safety Act takes priority.
You can also use the practical advice in the Electrical safety code of practice 2021 - Managing electrical risks in the workplace.
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