Risk of explosion from gas - AS54.10-Z-0001-01A

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, and 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DANGER!

Risk of explosion caused by escaping oxyhydrogen gas. Risk of poisoning and burns from swallowing battery electrolyte. Risk of injury to eyes and skin as result of caustic burns from battery electrolyte or from handling damaged lead-acid batteries.

No fire, sparks, naked flames or smoking. Wear acid-resistant gloves, clothing and eye protection. Pour battery electrolyte only into suitable and appropriately marked containers.

Possible hazards

Risk of explosion

A highly explosive gas mixture is produced when charging lead-acid batteries.

Risk of poisoning

If battery electrolyte is swallowed, this can result in manifestations of poisoning such as headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, respiratory paralysis, unconsciousness, vomiting and cramps.

Battery electrolyte mist causes caustic burns to the eyes. If swallowed, this can result in caustic burns to the mucous membranes and respiratory passages.

The absorption of lead in the body can cause damage to blood, nerves and kidneys; in addition, lead compounds are considered to represent a reproductive hazard.

Injury hazard

Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which can cause severe caustic burns to skin and eyes. Strict caution is required when handling damaged lead-acid batteries (removing from vehicle damaged in accident) because of the sharp edges on the fractured housing and direct contact with the lead plates.

Protective measures/rules of conduct

Charge lead-acid batteries only in well ventilated areas.
No fire, sparks, naked flames or smoking.
Do not place any tool or other conducting objects onto the lead-acid battery (risk of short-circuit).
Disconnect and remove lead-acid batteries for charging.
Always disconnect negative terminal first of all; always connect positive terminal first of all.
Do not switch on the charger until after it has been connected to the terminals; switch it off before disconnecting.
Keep lead-acid batteries and battery electrolyte away from unauthorized persons.
Pour battery electrolyte only into suitable and appropriately marked containers.
Always store lead-acid batteries horizontally.
Ensure the gassing line is properly connected.
Ensure the gassing line does not have any kinks and is not blocked at any point.
Pay attention to instructions for use of the particular lead-acid battery and the operating instructions of the vehicle.
Wear acid-resistant clothing and eye protection with side guards.

First-aid measures

Eye contact

Rinse out eyes immediately with plenty of water.

Skin contact

Take off moistened clothing.
Immediately neutralize acid splashes on skin or clothing with acid converter or soap suds and rinse off with plenty of water.

Inhaling battery electrolyte mist

Take the affected person out into the fresh air.

Swallowing battery electrolyte

Have the person affected drink plenty of water with the addition of activated charcoal.

As a general rule, the person affected should consult a medical service or doctor after first-aid has been rendered.

Fire protection measures

Suitable extinguishing agents

CO₂ and dry extinguishing agent

Fig 1: Identifying Caution Symbols/Logos

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Warning instructions for lead-acid batteries