Risk of explosion, poisoning and burns, injury to eyes and skin - AS54.10-Z-0001-01A

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

  Warning instructions for lead-acid batteries 

  Fig 1: Identifying Warning Instructions For Lead-Acid Batteries