New UK Battery Storage Guidance: A Forklift Buyer Checklist

Guidance from the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) gives forklift buyers a reference for pre-delivery discussions. Forkliftaction reported the advice on 1 October 2026. UKWA's public page describes two complementary notes covering different battery-storage activities.

For a lithium-powered forklift or replacement battery, the first issue is which guidance applies. The UKWA note covers smaller lithium-ion batteries, including those used in power tools, laptops, e-bikes and consumer electronics. It excludes industrial traction batteries and directs material handling equipment operators to the UKMHA note.

Ask how the battery will be managed on site

The UKMHA guidance covers storage environment requirements, preparation for storage, state-of-charge control and periodic checks to prevent over-discharge. It also addresses stock control, inspection intervals, ageing batteries, layout and segregation, fire protection and detection, monitoring, escalation procedures, and the management of faulty or high-risk batteries.

Forkliftaction reports advice on cool, dry storage, limiting long-term storage, separating battery types, monitoring stock, emergency planning and staff training. The report attributes the warning that unmonitored batteries can enter thermal runaway and cause a fire to the associations.

Buyers can use these topics to structure questions for the supplier and site team. Where will the battery be stored before installation? Who will check its condition and state of charge? Which instructions apply if it remains unused? How should staff escalate a damaged or suspect battery? The answers should identify responsibilities and the applicable manufacturer procedures.

These questions are an editorial application of the guidance topics. They do not set operating limits for a particular battery. Neither the report nor UKWA's public summary provides a universal storage temperature, state-of-charge percentage or inspection interval.

Review site requirements before changing arrangements

UKWA states that manufacturer instructions, the site fire risk assessment and insurer requirements should take precedence. It recommends checking the manufacturer's storage and charging instructions, reviewing the fire risk assessment when arrangements change, and speaking with the insurer before increasing battery volumes or changing storage or charging practices.

The notes are industry guidance, not legal or professional advice. They do not replace applicable legislation and do not guarantee compliance or prevent incidents. Procurement teams should use them as a discussion reference alongside the requirements for the actual battery and site.

Equipment matching is a separate part of the purchasing decision. Buyers can review XiCha's explanation of BMS permission, precharge and contactors. Storage guidance does not confirm that a battery fits a truck or that an existing charger is suitable.

Sources: UKWA guidance page; Forkliftaction report, 1 October 2026.