Eliminating a battery explosion hazard. / Union Pacific Railroad Company

Eliminating a battery explosion hazard


Union PacificJack V. Jolley
General Director Rebuild Operations
Union Pacific Railroad Company


The Union Pacific Railroad Backshop operation at North Little Rock, Arkansas is the railroad's major accident damage repair facility.

The Boiler/Blacksmith Shop repairs over 200 locomotives a year and this area recently had a safety concern with lead acid batteries discharging hydrogen gas while in use on their "Lift-A-Loft" brand elevating work platforms. While one of their mobile platforms was in use recently the sparks and slag from cutting, grinding, and welding operations caused a battery to explode. Although know one was injured, the potential was certainly there for a serious incident. Our employees and safety captains had a concern that it could happen again.

Thermoil was introduced by the manufacturer's recommendations into each of the four (4) 6-volt batteries on the "Lift-A-Lofts". The outgassing has currently gone away eliminating a battery explosion hazard. Since the elimination of gassing no unpleasant odor or corrosion is taking place within the battery boxes. Maintenance personnel also inform me that the battery-watering interval has been extended.