EnviroGuard FAQ

Article 64 is part of the Uniform Fire Code that has been adopted by the majority of states nationwide. Article 64 covers requirements for proper ventilation, signage and spill response kits associated with battery facilities.

Who enforces Article 64 or any Uniform Fire Code, National Building code, etc.?

Article 64 is primarily enforced by local fire departments and building officials during the approval of new construction and site expansion with the Data Center and Telecommunications industry. Many of the largest users of UPS systems are incorporating EnviroGuard containment systems into their new construction plans, since we utilize patented modular containment systems that use UL-listed components.

Are sealed batteries required to have spill containment per Article 64?

Article 64 and new amendments have reduced the amount of allowable quantities within battery strings. Currently the law does not differentiate between flooded or sealed batteries. The amount of electrolyte in a battery string is the determining factor. Many of the larger amp hour batteries utilized have quantities exceeding the standards. Many local enforcement authorities are requiring containment regardless of the quantity of acid within the battery. This is due to the hazmat characteristics of the acid.

Is retrofitting of battery racks required?

Retrofitting of battery racks to comply with Article 64 is being implemented by a number of companies in anticipation of future compliance requirements. Existing laws do not exempt battery strings in service today. Currently, retrofitting is an environmental policy issue dictated by insurance loss prevention groups or real estate and environmental departments within each organization. It is our opinion that in the future companies may be required to submit a listing of battery rooms and inventories that may require spill containment.

What are the primary differences between epoxy vs. liner containment systems?

Prior to the development of EnviroGuard's patented and UL listed Liner Containment System, many customers utilized a more labor-intensive and imprecise epoxy spill containment method. Unfortunately, this method may not be liquid-tight and, over time, may prove unreliable. For their warranty to remain in effect, epoxy manufacturers have established extensive floor preparation procedures set forth by ASTM. These procedures make it very cost-prohibitive to install epoxy-based systems and they can cause extensive installation delays. EnviroGuard's Liner Containment Systems are shipped to the site pre-formed and install in minutes as opposed to days.

Is spill containment available for battery enclosures?

We offer a containment system specifically designed for battery cabinets that allows for easy access to the cabinet area for monthly maintenance. This system can be utilized for 20-year sealed batteries and computer room floors and ensures liquid-tight performance regardless of the technician services.

What different types of spill containment are available for specialized environments?

EnviroGuard has developed products for a wide variety of containment solutions that include computer room floors, relay racks and battery cabinets, enabling technicians to access the equipment with minimal obstruction from barriers that are glued to the floor.

What is the difference between a custom and standard containment system?

A standard containment system is a rectangular shape and utilizes standard, off-the-shelf components. A custom containment system is any configuration that is against the wall or requires non-standard components.

Is site certification required for spill containment?

Inspection and certification of your installation site, an added cost to spill containment and often considered necessary for warranty purposes, has never been required by EnviroGuard, with the exception of customers seeking extended warranties.

Can anyone install spill containment systems from EnviroGuard?

Yes, and again it has always been our policy that installers can use the easy-to-follow directions to install spill containment for a new site, considered a Level I installation. Level II installations, in which spill containment is installed to an existing system of flooded batteries for standby power, is a more challenging task for which installers need training. EnviroGuard can supply training for Level II installations as requested.

Is spill containment required for standby power systems utilizing VRLA batteries?

Rather than a flooded battery in which the electrolyte is a free flowing liquid, a VRLA battery (valve-regulated lead acid) uses an absorbent glass mat technology or fiberglass mat to immobilize the electrolyte. Consequently, there is far less liquid in a VRLA battery. In fact, Doug Frazier, president of EnviroGuard, is a member of several committees of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and has repeatedly opposed the need for spill containment for VRLA systems. However, state and local ordinances often mandate spill containment for these systems despite industry opposition of such requirements. You should check your local ordinances to see what is required.

How can I order spill containment? (sizing problems)

EnviroGuard has developed an on-line sizer program available through Environet, open to EnviroGuard distributors, customers and others who are registered. This field-sizing guide allows field technicians and engineers to determine the proper spill containment in a matter of seconds regardless of the manufacturer, rack, cabinet or configuration. We also have an easy-to-complete one-page fax-back questionnaire, or email us and we will contact you. From the information you provide, our Application Specialist will then create a custom CAD drawing. We can also fax you a selection of spill containment options that comply with Article 64. In addition, we have an extensive nationwide network of distributors and certified installers to evaluate your requirements and support you locally.

What are the accepted standards for flammability for the absorbent pillows used in spill containment systems?

Underwriters Laboratories has recently developed a standard for this application. Absorbent pillows used by EnviroGuard for spill containment recently received UL recognition for their fire retardant properties. The fabric used in these UL-recognized pillows is the same fabric EnviroGuard has used since 1998. This means that an EnviroGuard system of spill containment and absorbent pillows is the highest form of protection you can use for spill containment of flooded battery systems.

What is the "shelf life" of the absorbent and neutralizing pillow?

EnviroGuard's unique absorbent and neutralizing material is blended with ingredients that have an extended shelf life of approximately 5 years. To date, our materials have proven to be very effective. As a quality control measure, EnviroGuard will provide a replacement neutralizing and absorbing pillow at no cost to our customers for quality analysis. We will compare the original mixed batch to the returned sample. We will then issue a report indicating the results.

How do you properly dispose of pillows that have been in contact with sulfuric acid? How do you order replacement pillows?

Statements by individuals or companies indicating neutralized pillows can be disposed of in the trash are false! Absorbent pillows that come in contact with sulfuric acid must be treated as a hazardous material and must be properly disposed in accordance with state and federal laws. Most licensed recyclers will recycle the pillows at a minimal cost. For replacement pillows, simply call EnviroGuard and we will refer you to the nearest EnviroGuard distributor in your area.

What are typical lead times for your product?

Standard lead-time for delivery is 4 to 6 weeks. Many times we can deliver products sooner. Contact us for a stocking distributor and certified installer in your area.

What types of quality assurance testing procedures have been performed on your product?

EnviroGuard is committed to leading the industry in creating and maintaining products of the highest quality. Toward this end, we have partnered with accredited laboratories and continue to improve and develop state-of-the-art products. Our goal is to set an example for the industry in acceptable standards for spill containment products. The following quality testing measures have been implemented:

Traceability of our custom-blended products
Fire testing of absorbent material
Tested PVC-coated liners for resistance to different acid concentrations
UL-listed liner features Class A fire rating
Flame-spread analysis
Shelf-life analysis
The material in our absorbent pillows undergoes a batch analysis every 800 pounds
Absorbents and neutralizing pillows absorb more electrolyte and acid than competing products
Currently working with UL to establish minimal acceptable industry standards

Industry Firsts:

Three systems that meet UL-listing criteria
Established easy-to-order industry catalog for quality control
Established national certification program for installers

Is the training program available to everyone, and what does it involve?

Yes, the training program is available to everyone. Every training class is specifically scheduled to fit the needs of the customer and consists of a one-day classroom lecture followed by a one-day hands-on installation practice and follow-up. For additional information contact the EnviroGuard offices at 800.206.9884.

What is a TCLP Test?

This is a test utilized to measure the amount of heavy metals and volatiles in the wastewater treatment industry. These standards are not applicable for spill containment but have been cited as a test that is used to identify the amount of lead present on an absorbent pillow after a spill has occurred. Batteries do shed lead particulates that settle in the bottom of battery containers as a natural part of the battery aging process. Obviously, older batteries will have higher levels of sediment than newer batteries. You need to determine if any lead is present after a spill has occurred regardless of the manufacturer of the absorbent and neutralizing pillows.

What is the primary benefit of selecting a UL-listed spill containment system that has been reviewed by Underwriters Laboratories?

States, cities and municipalities across the country rely on several different sources for the regulations affecting spill containment requirements. There is often a lack of uniformity from one jurisdiction to another. Spill containment that has been UL-listed or UL-recognized has passed a stringent testing procedure. In the case of EnviroGuard, this testing included construction integrity as well as fire retardancy.

What is the difference between UL-listed and UL-recognized?

A product that has been UL-listed signifies the manufacturer's representation that samples of the complete product have been tested by UL to nationally recognized safety standards and found to be free from reasonably foreseeable risks of fire, electric shock and related hazards, and that the product was manufactured under UL's Follow-Up Services program. UL-recognized refers to UL's Component Recognition Service which covers the testing and evaluation of component products that are incomplete or restricted in performance capabilities, including plastics, wire and printed wiring boards that may be used in either very specific applications or in a broad spectrum of end products. Use of UL-recognized components does not mean that the product itself is UL-listed.