Risk of injury caused by contact with battery gel when handling damaged lead-gel batteries - AS54.10-Z-0001-02A

No fires, sparks, open flames or smoking. Wear acid-resistant gloves, clothing and safety glasses.

Potential risks 

Risk of poisoning 

If battery gel  is swallowed this can cause poisoning symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, stomach aches, respiratory paralysis, unconsciousness, vomiting, caustic burns and cramps. 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.

Risk of injury 

Battery electrolyte gel  is just as caustic as normal electrolyte fluid and can cause serious caustic burns to the skin and eyes. Strict caution is required when handling damaged lead-gel batteries (e.g. when removing from a vehicle damaged in an accident) due to the sharp edges on a broken housing and direct contact with the lead plates.

Safety precautions and rules of conduct 

• No fires, sparks, open flames or smoking.
• Keep tools and other conductive objects away from lead-gel batteries (risk of short-circuit).
• Disconnect and remove lead-gel batteries for charging.
• Always disconnect negative terminal before positive terminal and always connect positive terminal before negative terminal  .
• Switch on the charging equipment only after connecting to the terminals and switch off the charging equipment before disconnecting from the terminals.
• Keep lead-gel batteries away from unauthorized persons (especially children).
• Observe the instructions of the particular lead-gel battery and the operator's manual of the vehicle.
• Wear acid-resistant clothing and eye protection with side guards.
• Only fill gel into suitable and appropriately marked containers.

First aid measures 

Eye contact 

• Rinse out eyes immediately with plenty of water.

Skin contact 

• Remove affected clothing.
• Immediately neutralize acid or gel on skin or clothing with acid converter or soap suds and rinse off with plenty of water.

Swallowing battery gel 

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

As a general rule, always consult a medical service or doctor after first-aid has been rendered. 

Fire protection measures 

Suitable extinguishing agents 

• CO₂ and dry extinguishing agent