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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of traction type batteries and their service requirements
Level / 3 / Credits / 2
Purpose / This theory-based unit standard is for people in the materials handling equipment and related industries. People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of traction type batteries, and traction type battery service requirements.
Classification / Motor Industry > Automotive Electrical and Electronics
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to – Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
2Definitions
Materials handling equipment refers to equipment used to move materials from one location to another, for example between workplaces or between a loading dock and a storage area. These may include but are not limited to forklifts, hand trucks, and pallet loaders.
Service information may include but is not limited to – technical information of a vehicle, machine, or product detailing operation; installation and servicing procedures; manufacturer instructions and specifications; technical terms and descriptions; and detailed illustrations. This can be accessed in hard copy or electronic format and is normally sourced from the manufacturer.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of traction type batteries.
Evidence requirements
1.1Features and differences of traction type batteries compared with automotive batteries are identified in accordance with battery manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – plate construction, capacity, service life, number of cells, cell rating and total voltage (24 to 80 volt), terminal connector, integrated battery box.
1.2Battery function and discharge characteristics are described in accordance with battery manufacturer specifications.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – action of plates during charge and discharge, electrolyte specific gravity changes with temperature, determining final discharge voltage limit and avoiding over-discharge.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of traction type battery service requirements.
Evidence requirements
2.1Battery charging procedure and precautions are described in accordance with service information.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – setting and using a battery charger, calculating charging rate, noting electrolyte temperature during charging, checking electrolyte volume, observing safety precautions.
2.2Battery handling and maintenance procedures are described in accordance with service information.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – avoiding frequent and repeated over-discharge and over-charging; maintaining correct electrolyte level, specific gravity and voltage conditions; keeping the battery case and top clean from oil, grease and other materials; maintaining batteries not used for an extended period of time; keeping battery maintenance records; ensuring batteries are safely secured; working around or near batteries; avoiding shorts; checking condition of leads, terminals and connections; removing and replacing batteries; effects of vibration on batteries; lifting heavy loads in relation to battery service life.
2.3Safety precautions when handling batteries are described in accordance with service information and legislative requirements.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – wearing protective clothing; lifting; supporting; mixing electrolyte; preventing acid spillage; ventilation requirements; ensuring all connections are tight; protecting against shorting; using correct tools; storing, handling, and disposing of batteries; associated dangers and effects of contamination in electrolyte; provision of charging areas; environmental considerations related to traction batteries.
2.4Procedures for checking battery operation to determine faults are described in accordance with service information.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to – effects of temperature, low voltage, ground leakage, cleanliness, electrolyte levels, specific gravity and interpretation of hydrometer readings, damage.
Replacement information / This unit standard and unit standard 24137 replaced unit standard 15379.This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 25 January 2008 / 31 December 2020
Review / 2 / 25 January 2018 / 31 December 2020
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
MITO New Zealand IncorporatedSSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut