HEALTH & SAFETY

The handling and proper use of lead-acid batteries is not hazardous provided appropriate facilities are available and operatives, having been instructed, are adequately supervised and take reasonable care.

The purpose of this guide is:

1. To indicate the potential hazards that may arise.
2. To outline the precautions to be taken to minimise such hazards.
3. To indicate the action to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency situation.

1) SULPHURIC ACID (ELECTROLYTE)

Batteries contain sulphuric acid (drycharge batteries prior to filling with acid excluded) which may leak for a number of reasons and may be given off as droplets and/or a fine mist during charging.

1.1 Nature of the Hazard

Battery acid is a poisonous and corrosive liquid which will cause burns and irritation to the skin and eyes and could burn clothing.

1.2 Precautions

Always handle batteries with care and keep upright.
Do not overfill batteries.
Always charge in a well-ventilated area.
Always use eye protection and protective clothing where there is any risk from splashes.
Always keep away from children.

1.3 Accident or Emergency Action and Treatment

Skin Contact:
Immediately drench the affected area with clean water and remove any contaminated clothing. If any soreness or irritation persists seek medical advice.

Eye Contact:
Speed of action is vital. Immediately wash out the eyes with clean water for at least 10 minutes and seek prompt medical attention.

Ingestion:
Do NOT induce vomiting, but make the patient drink as much water or milk as possible and seek immediate medical attention.

1.4 Spillages

For small spillages swill away thoroughly with plenty of water.

1.5 Disposal

Suitable acid resistant, labelled containers should be used. See also Section 6.

2) ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Electrical energy can be supplied from batteries and charging equipment.

2.1 Nature of the Hazard

Burns may occur from the heating effect on tools and conductive objects in contact with live battery terminals or conductors. In addition sparks and molten metal way be ejected and combustible materials ignited. It is possible to receive a severe electric shock from charging equipment and from a number of batteries connected in series.

2.2 Precautions

Before using conductive tools on a battery remove metallic personal adornments from the hands and wrists, i.e. watches and rings.

Before working on a vehicle electrical system, disconnect the battery where there is any risk of accidental short circuits.

Always disconnect the earth terminal from a battery first add connect last. Do not place tools or conductive objects on top of batteries.

Before using a battery charger consult manufacturers literature. Remember to switch the charger off before connecting or disconnecting a battery. See also Section 3.

2.3 Accident or Emergency Action & Treatment

Burns:
Cool the area with cold water, apply a sterile dressing and seek medical attention.
Electric Shock:
Immediate action is essential in cases of severe electric shock as the nerves controlling breathing and heart action may be affected. Do not delay treatment by calling for a doctor: this should be done quickly if help is available or when the casualty recovers:

1) Make sure it is safe to approach. If the casualty is not clear of a live conductor, break the contact. Switch off the current, remove the plug, or wrench the cable free. If this is not possible, stand on dry insulting material (wood, rubber, brick, thickly folded newspaper, book) and try to push or pull the casualty clear of contact using similar insulating material as a lever. Do not touch him/her with bare hands.
2) If necessary give cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

3) EMISSION OF GASES

Hydrogen and oxygen are emitted during charging and can be emitted at other times, particularly if a battery is moved or shaken. Therefore, always consider that gas is present in the immediate vicinity or at the top of the battery.

3.1 Nature of the Hazard

An explosive atmosphere is created if the concentration of hydrogen in air exceeds 4%.

3.2 Precautions

• Always use eye protection where there may be any foreseeable risk.
• Charge in a well ventilated area.
• Avoid sources of ignition close to batteries.
• No smoking.
• No naked flames.
• Always switch off current before making or breaking electrical connection.
• Avoids sparks caused by accidental short circuits.

See also Section 2.

3.3 Accident or Emergency Action Treatment

Seek any necessary medical attention and remember that sulphuric acid may have been ejected (See Section 1).

4) WEIGHT

Batteries are generally heavy, awkward units to handle and correct lifting techniques must therefore be used.

5) DAMAGED BATTERIES

Battery plates consist of lead and its compounds* but can only be exposed if a battery is broken open.

In the unlikely event of this happening any spillage should be well damped, swept up and placed in a suitable acid resistant, labelled container prior to disposal. Normal personal hygiene precautions should be observed.
See also Sections 1 and 6.

6) DISPOSAL

Batteries, battery cases, battery acid and lead and lead compounds, must not be burned but must be disposed of in accordance with the appropriate legislation. Used and scrap batteries are classified as Special Waste and are subject to the EEC Council Directive on Batteries and Accumulators containing dangerous substances.
Those transporting scrap batteries must be registered with the Waste Regulations Authority and operate the Special Waste Consignment Note procedure.

For further information consult the Environmental Department of your Local Authority.

7) FIRE

Since batteries contain combustible materials the Local Fire Authority should be consulted where a quantity of batteries are stored together.

8) TRANSPORTATION BY ROAD

Acid filled batteries are subjected to the Road Traffic Regulations under ‘Carriage of Dangerous Substances and Packages’.

9) GENERAL

Familiarise yourself with the location of your health centre and how to contact your work’s nurse, first aider or appointed person.

Remember to report any accident, involving personal injury, in your official accident book.

If any repair or other work on batteries is contemplated ‘The Approved Code of Practice for the Control of Lead at Work’ from the Health and Safety Commission, first printed in 1980 and revised in 1996, must be referred to.

Any additional information, including battery labelling, that is provided to cover specific battery types and applications must be used in conjunction with this guide.

10) OTHER REFERENCES

BS 6604 :1985 - British Standard Code of Practice for Safe Operation of Starter Batteries.
Health and Safety Executive leaflet ‘Electric Storage Batteries’ - available free from the HSE or from their web site
www.hse.gcv.uk.

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