Recycling batteries helps protect the environment by preventing the heavy metals and hazardous chemicals contained in batteries from leeching out into the environment. However, these potential hazards for the environment also pose hazards for workers at facilities that recycle batteries. Workers who will be taking part in operations to recycle batteries must be aware of the hazards and have proper equipment and training to provide protection from the hazardous substances. See 1910.1200 for more information on the Hazard Communication Standard.

Hazards and Precautions

• Collection
  
  
• Forklifts
  
  
• Heavy Metals
  • Lead
  • Cadmium
  • Nickel
    
    
• Hazardous Chemicals
  
  
• Fire/Explosions
  
  
• Electrical Hazards

OSHA’s Battery Manufacturing Safety and Health Topics page provides more information on potential lead exposures.