Battery Safety & Loss Prevention

Lead Acid Battery Maintenance and Safety Protocol

General:

Lead-Acid batteries are physically large batteries that contain lead plates in a solution of acid to create electricity. They are a common power for many applications. Nationally, 2300 people are injured each year using lead acid batteries. Acid burns to the face and eyes comprise about 50% of these injuries as these batteries can easily explode. The remaining injuries were mostly due to lifting and dropping batteries as they are quite heavy.

Lead-Acid Battery Basics:

• The electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid (35%) and water (65%). This solution can cause chemical burns to the skin and especially the eyes.

• During normal operation, water is lost from a non-sealed (Flooded) battery due to evaporation.

• During charging, lead acid batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases (highly flammable/ explosive) as electrolysis occurs.

• Many lead acid explosions are believed to occur when electrolytes are below the plates in the battery and thus, allowing space for hydrogen/oxygen to accumulate. When the battery is engaged, it may create a spark that ignites the accumulated gases and causes the bettery to explode.

Standard Precautions:

• Always store or recharge batteries in a well ventilated area away from sparks or open flame.

• Damaged lead acid batteries shall be kept in properly labeled acid-resistant secondary containment structure.

• Use only chargers that are designed for the battery being charged.

• Always keep the lead acid battery vent caps securely in place.

• If acid gets into your eyes, flush immediately with water for 15 minutes, and then promptly seek medical attention.

• If acid gets on your skin, rinse the affected area immediately with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention if the chemical burns appear to be second degree or better.

• Emegency wash stations should be located near lead-acid battery storage and charging areas.

• Prevent open flames, sparks or electrical arcs in charging area.

Required Safety Equipment in the Battery Charging Area:

• Plumbed tepid water safety shower and eye wash station.

• Personal or Portable eyewash stations may be installed in the area immediate to the battery charging, if plumbed units can not be installed.

• Non-vented safety goggles.

• Face Shield (considered secondary but mandatory safety protection)

• Acid resistant gloves.

• Apron (acid resistant)

• Steel-toed boots or foot guards if the battery is being lifted