Download a free AGM Non-Spillable Lead Acid Battery COSHH assessment for documenting the safe handling, storage, charging, use and disposal of sealed AGM lead acid batteries in the workplace. This editable COSHH assessment template is designed for garages, workshops, fleet operators, facilities teams, maintenance departments, plant rooms, security system installers, mobility equipment providers, backup power users, vehicle technicians and businesses where AGM non-spillable lead acid batteries are stored, fitted, charged, transported or replaced.
AGM Non-Spillable Lead Acid Batteries, also known as absorbed glass mat batteries, sealed lead acid batteries or valve-regulated lead acid batteries, are commonly used for vehicles, standby power, alarms, access control systems, emergency lighting, mobility equipment, UPS systems, plant, machinery and electrical backup applications. Although described as non-spillable during normal use, these batteries still require a suitable COSHH assessment because they contain lead-based materials and sulphuric acid electrolyte, and may create additional risks if damaged, overcharged, incorrectly stored, short-circuited or disposed of incorrectly.
This AGM Non-Spillable Lead Acid Battery COSHH assessment template helps employers and responsible persons record key product details, intended use, battery type, storage arrangements, charging controls, handling precautions, ventilation requirements, emergency procedures, first aid information, spill or damage response, disposal arrangements, PPE requirements, user instructions and review dates. It provides a practical starting point for workplaces needing a lead acid battery COSHH assessment, AGM battery COSHH template, sealed lead acid battery safety document, battery charging risk assessment or free health and safety document template for battery storage and maintenance activities.
Employers have a legal responsibility to assess substances and materials used during work activities and make sure employees, contractors, engineers, drivers, maintenance staff and others are not exposed to unnecessary health and safety risks. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, employers must identify hazardous substances, assess how exposure could occur, prevent or adequately control exposure, and provide suitable information, instruction and training. Where batteries are charged, stored in quantity or may release flammable gases, employers should also consider the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 because hydrogen gas can create fire and explosion risks if ventilation and ignition-source controls are poor.
For products such as an AGM Non-Spillable Lead Acid Battery, the COSHH assessment should reflect the actual work being carried out, including battery installation, removal, charging, storage, inspection, replacement, transport, waste handling and emergency response. The assessment should consider short-circuit prevention, damaged cases, leaking or swollen batteries, accidental contact with internal acid, lead contamination from damaged units, manual handling, storage away from heat and ignition sources, ventilation during charging, segregation from incompatible materials and safe disposal through approved battery recycling or waste routes.
A clear AGM Non-Spillable Lead Acid Battery COSHH assessment helps demonstrate that battery-related hazards have been properly considered as part of your workplace health and safety arrangements. This is particularly useful for mechanics, electricians, facilities managers, security engineers, maintenance operatives, fleet managers, workshop supervisors, plant technicians and duty holders responsible for battery rooms, charging areas, vehicle maintenance, emergency lighting systems, UPS equipment, chemical storage and waste battery controls.
The document can be customised with your company details, site location, battery brand, battery size, voltage, storage area, charging location, quantity stored, task description, authorised users, responsible person, ventilation arrangements, emergency controls, PPE requirements and review date. Once completed, the assessment can be downloaded as a PDF, stored in your compliance records or shared with engineers, mechanics, maintenance teams, electricians, contractors, supervisors and health and safety representatives.
Relevant compliance includes the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009, UK CLP requirements, UK REACH duties where applicable, HSE COSHH guidance, HSE DSEAR guidance and the requirement to use the manufacturer’s safety data sheet or product safety information when completing a suitable and sufficient assessment.