The purpose of EGN 18 is to set safety standards and ensure that those who select, use and maintain batteries in broadcasting environments are aware of their responsibilities under BBC Requirements and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. It is intended to cover the selection, maintenance and disposal of batteries in all areas and in particular it will apply to Resources, N&R, DEC, F&L, Sport, News, World Service, Radio & Music, Siemens Business Services, Red-Bee Media and CBBC.

The batteries covered by this Guidance Note will be various types and will be found in:

Portable equipment such as audio recorders, camcorders (including DV cameras) and lightweight cameras used on location, in News, PSC (portable single camera), and OB work.
Power tools, test meters.
Various equipment for back up purposes (maintaining date, time information and set up).
Office equipment e.g. clocks, mobile phones, torches, remote controllers, laptops.
Portable lighting equipment.
Vehicles, including OB units, radio cars etc.
UPSs (uninterruptible power supplies).
Generators.
Emergency lighting battery cubicles.

This EGN replaces all previous safety documentation with regard to the selection, use and maintenance of batteries, issued by BBC Safety (Occupational Risk Management) or by the former Engineering Management Safety Committee. It does not however, replace documents issued at Divisional or Departmental level, although such documents must neither conflict with nor set standards which are not as rigorous as those given here.

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