Health And Safety Precautions
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Jaguar XE. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
- Lead acid battery cells contain sulphuric acid and a explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. It is necessary that the following safety precautions are observed.
- Lead acid batteries emit highly explosive hydrogen at all times, particularly during charging. To prevent any potential form of ignition occurring when working in the vicinity of a battery:
- Do not smoke or use a naked flame when working near lead acid batteries.
- Avoid sparks, short circuits or other sources of ignition near lead acid batteries.
- Switch off current before making or breaking electrical connections.
- Make sure that the battery charging area is well ventilated.
- Make sure that the charger is switched off when:
- Connecting the battery charger to a battery.
- Disconnecting the battery charger from the battery.
- Always disconnect the ground cable from the battery terminal first and reconnect it last.
- Lead acid batteries contain sulphuric acid, which is poisonous and highly corrosive. To prevent personal injury, or damage to clothing or the vehicle, the following working practices should be followed when topping up, checking electrolyte specific gravity, removal, installing or carrying batteries:
- Always wear suitable personnel protective equipment:
- A rubber apron
- Safety glasses or visor
- Rubber gloves.
- If acid is spilled or splashed onto clothing or the body, it must be neutralized immediately and then rinsed with clean water. A solution of baking soda or household ammonia and water may be used as a neutralizer.
- In the event of contact with the skin, drench the affected area with water. In the case of contact with the eyes, bathe the affected area with cool clean water for approximately 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.
- If battery acid is spilled or splashed on any surface of a vehicle, it should be neutralized and rinsed with clean water.
- Heat is generated when sulphuric acid is mixed with distilled water. If it becomes necessary to prepare electrolyte of a desired specific gravity, slowly pour the concentrated sulphuric acid into the distilled water (not the water into the acid). Add small amounts of acid to the distilled water, while stirring. If the electrolyte becomes hot while the sulphuric acid is added, stop and allow to cool before more sulphuric acid is added to the electrolyte. With the exception of lead or lead-lined containers, always use non-metallic receptacles or funnels. Do not store acid in excessively warm locations or in direct sunlight.
- Always wear suitable personnel protective equipment:
- Due to their hazardous contents, the disposal of startup and auxiliary batteries is strictly controlled. When a startup or auxiliary battery is scrapped, make sure that it is disposed of safely, complying with local environmental regulations. If in doubt, contact your local authority for advice on disposal facilities.
Make sure the warnings are followed