6. Safety With Batteries

6.1 All shop personnel handling batteries should be knowledgeable in the correct safety procedures for handling batteries. Provide a copy of this Service Information to all personnel.

6.2 Always keep safety in mind and take the preper precautions.

6.3 Battery acid will attack clothing, skin and eyes on contact. Always wear eye protection, preferably chemical safety goggles or a face shield while filling, charging or connecting/disconnecting a battery. Never lean over a battery. Acid neutralizer should be readily available at all times (baking soda, or a commercially available solution). Protective clothing such as rubber gloves and aprons are recommended when handling battery acid.

6.4 An eye/face/body wash should be readily available in areas where batteries are charged and where battery acid is handled/stored. In the event of eye/skin contact, immediately flush the affected areas with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

6.5 Examples of signs that should be posted in battery charging areas are:

6.5.1 NO SMOKING - BATTERY CHARGING AREA

6.5.2 EYE PROTECTION REQUIRED IN THIS AREA

Examples of signs that should be posted in battery acid handling/storage areas are:

6.5.3 (CORROSIVE - ACID) OR CORROSIVE

6.5.4 EYE PROTECTION REQUIRED IN THIS AREA

6.6 If the specific gravity of the acid used to fill a new battery is to be reduced, dilute it by pouring the acid into the water, never the opposite. The mixture may become quite hot - use caution. Do not store acid in sunlight or warm places.

6.7 Batteries generate highly flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is colorless and odorless. A spark, flame or lighted cigarette can cause a battery to explode violently.

6.8 Sparks generated from connecting/disconnecting battery terminals or charger clamps can cause the battery to explode. Always turn the charger off when connecting or disconnecting the clamps.

6.9 Charge the battery in a well ventilated area. Any power ventilation system, as well as all electrical devices in the vicinity, should be of the explosion-proof type, in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

6.10 Extreme caution must be used to prevent metallic tools or objects from shorting across the battery terminals.

6.11 Battery acid is considered hazardous toxic waste. Dispose of it in accordance with federal and state EPA regulations. Never pour it into a sink or drain.