Safety Tips

• Skin contact: Immediately drench the affected area with clean water and remove any contaminated clothing. If any soreness or irritation persists seek medical advice
• Eye contact: Immediately wash out the eyes with clean water until initial burning subsides. Do not use eye drops but do seek prompt medical attention
• Ingestion: DO NOT induce vomiting but make patient drink as much water or milk as possible, followed by milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil and seek immediate medical attention
• Spillage: Small spillages can be quite simply dealt with by swilling away with plenty of water and neutralizing using bicarbonate of Soda mixed with water (10 grams Bicarb to 1 liter of water)
• Disposal: Suitably labeled, acid resistant containers should be used for transporting, neutralizing and disposal of sulfuric acid.
• Burns: Apply a dry sterile dressing and seek medical attention

Safety Tips Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is contained in batteries.

Battery acid is a poisonous and corrosive liquid, which will cause burns and irritation to the skin and eyes. Take precautions when charging as sulfuric acid is given off in a fine mist.

• Always handle batteries with care and keep upright
• Always charge in a well ventilated area
• Use eye protection and protective clothing where there is any risk of acid splashing or spillage

Electrical Energy

Electrical energy can be supplied from batteries and charging equipment.

*Burns may occur from the heating effect of tools and conductive objects in contact with live battery terminals or conductors. In addition, sparks and molten metal may be ejected and combustible materials, notably the gaseous fumes, ignited to cause potentially lethal explosions.

*It is possible to receive a severe electric shock from charging equipment and from a number of batteries connected in series i.e. five or more 12 volt batteries (+60 volt nominal)

• Before using conductive tools on a battery, remove metallic personal adornments from the hands and wrists
• Before working on a vehicle’s electrical system, blow across the terminals and the vent holes to disperse any fumes and disconnect the battery where there is any risk of accidental short circuits.
• Always disconnect the earth terminal from a battery first and connect it last to prevent short circuiting
• Keep, charge, check and test batteries in a well ventilated area
• Do not place tools or conductive objects on top of batteries
• Before using a battery charger consult manufacturer’s literature
• Remember to switch the charger off before connecting or disconnecting a battery

Emergency Procedure for Treating Electric Shocks

• Electric Shock: Immediate action is essential in cases of severe electrical shock as the nerves controlling breathing and heart action may be affected. Do not delay treatment by calling for a doctor; this should be done quickly if help is available or when the casualty recovers
• Make sure it is safe to approach casualty. If the casualty is not clear of the electrical source, switch off the power. If this is not possible, attempt to separate the casualty from the conductor using a dry, insulting object (wood, rubber, brick, thickly folded newspaper, cardboard) and try to push or pull the casualty clear of contact. Do not touch casualty with bare hands
• Apply artificial respiration if necessary. Seek medical attention thereafter
• Explosion: Seek any necessary medical attention and remember that sulfuric acid may have been ejected

Emission of Gasses

Hydrogen and oxygen are emitted during charging and are emitted during cranking or movement of the battery.
An explosive atmosphere is created if the concentration of hydrogen in air exceeds 4%. 

• Keep, fill, charge, check and test batteries in a well ventilated area
• As an added precaution, blow air across the terminals and the vent holes to disperse any ignitable fumes
• Avoid sources of ignition close to batteries
• In particular
• No smoking
• No naked flames
• Switch off current before making or breaking electrical connection. Avoid sparks caused by accidental short circuits