What is the minimum continuous ventilation rate required for battery storage rooms?

The minimum continuous ventilation rate required for battery storage rooms is established to ensure the safe dispersal of gases that may be emitted by batteries, particularly lead-acid batteries, which can release hydrogen gas during charging and discharging. This gas is flammable and can create a hazardous environment if not adequately ventilated.

The correct answer of one cubic foot per minute per square foot provides a balanced approach to maintaining air quality while ensuring that any potentially harmful gases are diluted and moved away from the storage area. This rate is recognized as adequate to prevent the accumulation of dangerous concentrations of gases, supporting safety standards in environments where batteries are stored or charged.

The other options represent ventilation rates that may not sufficiently mitigate the risk of hazardous gas accumulation. Rates too low could lead to insufficient airflow, creating conditions that could result in safety issues for personnel working in or near these environments. Thus, adhering to the one cubic foot per minute per square foot standard is critical for safe operations in battery storage facilities.