7. Battery Safety

ALL shop personnel should be familiar with the correct safety procedures for handling batteries.

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

7.2. An eye/face/body wash should be readily available in areas where batteries are charged and where battery acid or wet batteries are stored.

WARNING!
In the event of eye/skin contact, immediately flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove any contaminated clothing and seek medical attention immediately.

7.3. Examples of signs that must be posted to ensure safety of employees handling acids and batteries:





near battery charging area





near battery storage area

7.4. If the specific gravity of acid used to fill a new, dry battery is to be reduced, dilute the acid by pouring the acid into water, never the other way around. The mixture can become quite hot - use caution. Do not store battery acid in sunlight or warm places.

7.5. Batteries generate highly flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is odorless and colorless. A spark, flame or lighted cigarette can cause a battery to explode violently. Sparks generated from connecting/disconnecting battery terminals or charging clamps can cause the battery to explode. Always turn the battery charger OFF before connecting/disconnecting the clamps.

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

7.7 Extreme caution must be used to prevent metallic tools or objects from shorting across the battery terminals, or from the positive terminal to ground when installed in a vehicle.

7.8. Battery acid is considered hazardous and toxic waste. Dispose of battery acid in accordance with federal and state EPA/DEP regulations. NEVER pour battery acid into a sink or drain.