Manual

Safety
7
018-041-C0-003 Rev. C
Lead-acid batteries contain dangerous voltages, currents and corrosive material. Battery
installation, maintenance, service and replacement must be performed by authorized personnel
only.
Any gelled or liquid emissions from a Valve-Regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery
contain dilute sulfuric acid, which is harmful to the skin and eyes. Emissions are
electrolytic, which are electrically conductive and corrosive.
Chemical Hazards
To avoid injury:
• Wear protective clothing (insulated gloves, eye protection, etc) whenever installing,
maintaining, servicing, or replacing batteries.
• If any battery emission contacts the skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with water.
Follow your company’s approved chemical exposure procedures.
• If any battery emission contacts the eye, wash immediately and thoroughly with water for
10 minutes with pure water or a special neutralizing eye wash solution and seek
immediate medical attention. Follow your company’s approved chemical exposure
procedures.
• Neutralize any spilled battery emission with the special solution contained in an approved
spill kit or with a solution of 1 lb. bicarbonate of soda to 1 gal of water. Report chemical
spill using your company’s spill reporting structure and seek medical attention if
necessary.
• Always replace batteries with those of an identical type and rating. Never install old or
untested batteries.
• Do not charge batteries in a sealed container. Each individual battery should have at least
0.5 inches of space between it and all surrounding surfaces to allow for convection cooling.
• All battery compartments must have adequate ventilation to prevent an accumulation of
potentially dangerous gas.
Battery Safety