Why Energy Storage System Safety Matters
Energy storage systems are becoming more common across manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings, utilities, industrial operations, and specialized environments. These systems can support backup power, improve reliability, and help organizations manage energy needs, but they also bring important safety, maintenance, installation, and compliance responsibilities.
As energy storage systems and battery energy storage systems become more widely used, employers need to understand the hazards that may be involved. Depending on the system and application, these hazards can include shock, arc flash, stored energy, equipment failure, fire risks, thermal events, and emergency response concerns. These risks become especially important when ESS/BESS equipment is connected to medium-voltage systems, Smart UPS systems, switchgear, or other critical electrical infrastructure.
Key Standards and Codes to Consider
Several standards and codes may apply when evaluating energy storage system safety. NFPA 70E addresses electrical safe work practices, including shock and arc flash risk, PPE, training, and energized work considerations. NFPA 70B focuses on electrical equipment maintenance, inspection, and preventive maintenance planning. NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, includes installation requirements that may apply to energy storage systems, battery systems, wiring, disconnects, labeling, and related equipment.
Common Safety and Compliance Gaps
One common challenge is that responsibility for these systems may be shared across safety, maintenance, engineering, operations, and leadership teams. When these groups are not aligned, gaps can appear in documentation, inspections, employee training, labeling, emergency planning, and contractor communication.
Upcoming Webinar
Life and Safety Consultants is hosting a webinar, Energy Storage Systems & Electrical Safety: What Employers Need to Know, on June 10 at 10:00 AM. This roundtable-style discussion will feature Mathew Craddock, interviewed by Brooks Wolfe and Anthony Wilks.
The discussion will cover practical safety and compliance considerations, including electrical safe work practices, arc flash risk, maintenance and inspection, documentation, emergency planning, common compliance gaps, and how NFPA 70E, NFPA 70B, and NFPA 70 apply to ESS/BESS equipment.
Who Should Attend
Whether your organization already uses energy storage systems or is beginning to evaluate them, this webinar will help you better understand the safety and compliance responsibilities that come with this growing technology.
Need help evaluating your organization’s ESS safety, maintenance, or electrical compliance needs? Complete the form below and a member of our team will follow up.
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