Health & Safety

Handling of Lead Acid Batteries is not hazardous providing proper precautions are observed.

Sulphuric Acid
Batteries contain sulphuric acid which may be given off as droplets or spray during recharging.
Sulphuric Acid is corrosive and poisonous which can burn/irritate skin and eyes and could burn clothing.

Precautions:
Always handle batteries with care. Always store upright. Never over-fill with acid. Always remove vent plugs (except Blue dynamic Silver or Silver dynamic, which are sealed) and charge in a well ventilated area. Use eye protection and protective clothing if there is any risk of acid splashing.

Emergency Action:
Skin Contact: Immediately wash the affected area with copious amounts of clean water. Remove any contaminated clothing.
Eye contact: Immediately flush for at least 10 minutes with plenty of clean water.
Swallowing: Immediately drink large quantities of water or milk
In all cases seek urgent medical attention.

Spillages
Small spillages can be swilled away with large quantities of water.

Electrical Hazard
Precautions:
Before using metallic tools on a battery remove metallic objects from hands and wrists.
Before filling or removing the battery, make sure that all equipment connected to it is switched off to avoid accidental sparking. When undoing the terminal connections, disconnect negative first and reconnect last.
When refitting take care tools do not cause an accidental short-circuit.

Emergency Action:
Burns: Apply sterile bandage.
Electric shock: Approach victim with care. Switch-off or otherwise break current. If not possible, detach victim from contact by means of insulating material - wood, rubber or plastic hosepipe, folded newspaper, etc. Do not touch with bare hands.
In each case seek urgent medical attention.

Explosive Gases
The gases given off during charging are explosive.

Precautions:
Always charge in a well ventilated environment. No smoking or naked flames. Ensure that cables and electrical equipment are handled in such a way as to avoid accidental sparking. Always remove negative lead first and re-connect last. Use eye protection and protective clothing.

Emergency Action in case of Explosion: seek urgent medical advice remembering that acid may have been sprayed.

Weight
Batteries can be heavy and awkward to handle. Take care and use correct lifting techniques.