Safe interaction with vehicle batteries
Battery safety labels, understanding and prevention
The dangers inherent with vehicle batteries can be avoided when the Warnings and safety measures indicated on battery safety labels and listed in this article are read, understood and followed.
CAUTION:
- Trainee or apprentice personnel should only work on vehicle batteries under supervision of senior shop personnel (such as a master mechanic or foreman).
- Battery electrolyte is extremely caustic. Battery servicing must always be performed in accordance with the following notes. Otherwise, service personnel will be exposed to dangerous, damaging effects of battery electrolyte. Appropriate first-aid remedies against corrosive burns from acid must be readily available (e.g. soap and water solution.
- Should battery electrolyte escape from battery, it can lead to skin burns, acid burns and corrosion of vehicle parts. Under certain circumstances, components relevant to vehicle safety may be damaged.
- Electrolytic gas emitted during and after battery charging is explosive. As a result, improper handling of battery under these conditions can lead to a battery explosion.
- Generating sparks by sanding, welding, body work and open flame, e.g. smoking in vicinity of the battery, are prohibited. Also, generating sparks by electrostatic discharge must also be prevented. Always grasp vehicle body before touching battery.
- Batteries must only be serviced in well-ventilated areas.