Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions
Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions
Recognizing and Preventing Risks
It is dangerous to handle batteries. These risks can be avoided by following the warnings on the battery, in the operating instructions, and in the repair information.
Explanation of Battery Symbols
1. When working in the area of the battery, fire, sparks, open light and smoking are prohibited. Avoid sparks from cables, electrical devices and electrostatic discharge. Do not place any tools on the battery to avoid short circuits.
2. Eye protection must be worn when working on the battery.
3. Keep electrolyte and batteries out of the reach of children.
4. Disposal: Old batteries require special disposal. They must only be disposed of in accordance with the legal requirements at an authorized site.
5. Do not dispose of old batteries in household waste.
6. When handling batteries, there is a risk of explosion. Battery charging produces a highly explosive gas mixture.
7. Follow the notes on the battery in this repair information and in the owner's manual.
8. Battery acid can cause severe burns! Battery acid is severely corrosive so protective gloves and eye wear must be worn when working on the battery. The battery must not be tipped, because acid may spill from the ventilation openings.
There is a risk of injury from the battery acid.
• Can cause severe injury to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.
• Inhalation can damage the respiratory system.
• Swallowing is harmful to the digestive system.
• First aid: Rinse eyes and immediately consult first aid station or inform doctor.
• Never tilt the battery. Electrolyte may leak out of the vents.
• Catch spilled acid with a bonding agent, neutralize the residue. Suitable remedy is for example, a soap solution.
• Never allow electrolyte to come into contact with bare hands.
• Avoid contact with skin.
• Never touch mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands.
• Immediately remove electrolyte contaminated clothing and place in water.
• Do not eat, drink or store food in work areas.
• Wash thoroughly before breaks and on completion of work.
Protect against injury by using protective eye-wear and clothing.
• Wear safety goggles and an acid resistant apron or alternatively electrolyte proof overalls.
• Wear electrolyte proof gloves.
Risk of explosion due to the explosive gas that forms during battery charging.
• The gas resulting from charging and partially when resting after charging is explosive. In extreme cases, if the battery is handled inappropriately, the emitted gases may cause the battery to explode.
• Smoking, open flame, fire and sparks (from sanding, welding or separating work) are prohibited when working near the battery.
• Avoid short circuits when working with electrical wires and devices. Do not place any tools on the battery.
• To prevent sparks from forming due to electrostatic discharge, always touch the vehicle body before touching the battery.
Protect against explosion.
• On batteries with a "visual indicator", the battery must not be tested or charged if the indicator has no color or is light yellow. Jump starting must not be used! There is a risk of explosion during testing, charging or jump starting. The battery must be replaced.
• Used batteries (lengthy period of use over 6 months) must be treated with an antistatic spray (currently "Neostatic Antistatikum HB 155") prior to handling.
• In the case of batteries that are not maintenance free, the sealing plugs must be securely installed when charging the battery.
• Charging of removed batteries is only permitted while extracting fumes in ventilated cabinets.
• After charging, the battery must be kept in the area where it was charged for an appropriate time period.
• Only perform battery procedures in suitable and well-ventilated rooms.
• Batteries are always to be transported in conductive metal containers.
• Electrostatically chargeable materials are not to be used for securing purposes.
Risk of damage to the vehicle.
• Safety related vehicle components could be damaged by acid burns and corrosion due to escaping battery acid.
Pollution risk.
• Old batteries require special disposal. They contain poisonous lead (Pb) and sulfuric acid.
• Follow disposal requirements, only dispose of used batteries in suitable containers at an authorized collection site.