Warehouse Lithium Battery Storage Audit

Inspection template for auditing warehouse lithium battery storage practices, including separation requirements, damaged battery handling, and emergency response readiness.

Storage Area Segregation and Layout

• Lithium battery storage area is designated and clearly identified
  Storage location is marked, controlled, and limited to authorized personnel.
• Batteries are separated from combustibles and packaging materials
  Verify separation from cardboard, pallets, shrink wrap, trash, and other combustible materials.
• Storage is away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames
  Inspect for proximity to heaters, charging equipment, welding areas, smoking areas, or other ignition sources.
• Aisles and access paths to battery storage are unobstructed
  Access routes remain clear for inspection, handling, and emergency response.
• Storage conditions are cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight
  Check for environmental conditions that could increase battery degradation or fire risk.

Battery Condition, Quarantine, and Damaged Battery Handling

• Damaged or defective batteries are segregated from serviceable inventory
  Verify a clearly defined quarantine or hold area is used for suspect batteries.
• Damaged battery containers are non-conductive and suitable for isolation
  Check that damaged units are stored in appropriate containers or packaging to reduce short-circuit and fire risk.
• Damaged batteries are labeled and dated for disposition
  Labels identify the battery as damaged, defective, or for quarantine, with date and responsible department if applicable.
• Employees follow a documented procedure for swollen, leaking, hot, or smoking batteries
  Procedure covers isolation, notification, evacuation if needed, and escalation to a competent person or supervisor.
• Damaged battery handling training is current for affected staff
  Verify training records for personnel who receive, store, move, or quarantine batteries.

Labeling, Packaging, and Housekeeping

• Battery cartons and pallets are intact and not visibly damaged
  Check for crushed cartons, punctures, tears, or signs of mishandling that could expose cells or terminals.
• Terminals are protected from short-circuit contact where applicable
  Verify terminal protection, original packaging, or other controls are in place for loose or unpackaged batteries.
• Battery types and hazard labels are visible and legible
  Labels identify battery chemistry or hazard warnings as required by site procedure and shipping or storage rules.
• Housekeeping prevents accumulation of trash, dust, and combustible debris
  Inspect floors, racks, and adjacent surfaces for combustible buildup or clutter.
• No evidence of leaking electrolyte, bulging cells, or heat discoloration in storage
  Look for odor, residue, swelling, discoloration, or other signs of battery failure.

Fire Protection and Emergency Response Readiness

• Fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and inspected
  Verify extinguishers are mounted, unobstructed, and within the required inspection interval.
• Emergency exits and evacuation routes are clear from the battery storage area
  Routes must remain unobstructed and usable during a battery incident.
• Emergency contact numbers and incident reporting instructions are posted
  Posting should include supervisor, EHS, emergency services, and site-specific escalation contacts.
• Employees know the response steps for a battery fire, smoke, or thermal event
  Verify awareness of isolation, evacuation, notification, and when to call emergency services.
• Emergency response equipment and procedures are reviewed with staff
  Confirm drills, toolbox talks, or refresher training have been completed for the area.

Documentation, Training, and Corrective Actions

• Written storage and damaged battery handling procedure is available
  Procedure should address receipt, storage, segregation, quarantine, and emergency escalation.
• Relevant employees have current training records
  Training covers storage hazards, damaged battery recognition, and emergency response expectations.
• Open deficiencies have assigned corrective actions and due dates
  Document the responsible owner, target completion date, and interim controls for each non-conformance.