HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTROLYTE
GENERAL Corrosive and irritant. Inhalation and skin absorption are primary.
INHALATION The vapour can irritate all parts of the respiratory system.
EYE CONTACT Burns the eyes severely.
Permanent damage may occur if urgent medical aid is not sought
SKIN CONTACT Prolonged contact will result in tissue damage.
INGESTION Will cause severe irritation and damage
NATURE OF SUBSTANCES WITHIN THE BATTERY
Corrosive
Stored electrical energy
Toxic compounds
Explosive gas mixture involved during charging
WARNING Hydrogen and oxygen gases are emitted from a battery when it is being charged and at other times, particularly if it is moved or shaken. These gases contain droplets of corrosive electrolyte.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES Keep Away from children
Keep away from sources of ignition
No naked flames, No Smoking
Keep and charge in a well ventilated area
Wear protective clothing
Do not allow electrolyte to come into contact with skin or eyes.
Do not ingest
INHALATION - Remove from exposure, rest and keep warm. Obtain medical attention immediately.
EYE CONTACT - Wash out with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain Urgent medical attention.
SKIN CONTACT - Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash affected skin with plenty of water. Obtain medical attention.
INGESTION - If the electrolyte has been confined to the mouth give large quantities of water as mouth wash ensuring that it is NOT swallowed. If electrolyte has been swallowed, give water to drink immediately. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. OBTAIN URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION
BURNS - Apply sterile bandage. Obtain medical attention.
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ELECTROLYTE (BATTERY ACID)
The electrolyte in the battery is a mixture of sulphuric acid and water to concentrations of 40% sulphuric acid.
CORROSION Attacks many metals with liberation of hydrogen gas which is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air. Attacks clothing. Reacts with many chemicals with varying degrees of violence.
FLASH POINT Non-flammable, however hydrogen gas may be evolved
BOILING POINT 110 Degrees Centigrade
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHILE WORKING AND HANDLING BATTERIES & KEEP AWAY FROM REACH OF CHILDREN
COSHH Information
Lead Acid Batteries
It is imperative that all persons who test, charge, fit or handle lead acid batteries are aware of the dangers which can exist if the tasks are carried out incorrectly. The stored electrical energy is significant, the units are heavy and the constituent parts are both corrosive and hazardous.
It is imperative that the manufacturer's instructions are read carefully and complied with.
If there is any doubt about any aspects relating to the proper use of our products, we will be only too pleased to advise you on any precautions that may be necessary.
* Batteries are generally heavy and awkward to handle. Care should be taken and correct lifting techniques employed.
*Always keep the Batteries in upright position.
*Always wear protective clothing when handling batteries, rubber or PVC apron, rubber or PVC gloves and eye protection. This is particularly important during handling, fitting and charging operation.
* Use only distilled water for topping up cells, other substances may cause dangerous reaction in the cells. Top up the recommended Level - do not over fill. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
* Ensure batteries are maintained in dry, clean and well ventilated area.
* All labeling and manufacturer's instruction must be read carefully and complied with.
* The electrolyte is dilute sulphuric acid which is both poisonous and corrosive. It must not be alowed to come into contact with eyes, skin or clothing.
Fire Precautions
- The Internal ohmic resistance of a lead acid battery is very low and a high current will flow if the terminals are short circuited. Sparks and molten metal may be ejected. It is therefore essential to avoid metal objects touching across the terminals.
- Before working on or near a battery, remove any metallic items from hands , wrist and neck, together with any such items that may fall from pockets.
- Always use insulated tools. Spanners should be of the single ended type. Do not place tools or other conductive objects on the top of batteries.
- Switch off all chargers before connections/ disconnections are made to batteries. Charge off the vehicle in a well ventilated area.
- Hydrogen and oxygen gases are emitted from a battery when it is being charged and also at other times, particularly if it moved or shaken. These gases contain droplets of corrosive electrolyte.
- A Hydrogen/air mixture can produce a violent explosion if ignited, and it must be assumed that this mixture is present in the immediate vicinity at the top of the battery at all times.
- The boxes and lid are made from several types of plastic components, which in normal conditions present no hazard. However, in the case of fire the plastic could decompose and may give off toxic vapours. Suitable respiratory protections should be worn during fire fighting.
The following precautions therefore must always be taken:-
- Charging and storage must be carried out in well ventilated areas.
- No smoking or naked flames should be permitted in the charging area or elsewhere during installations, inspections on or near the battery.
- TO EXTINGUISH FIRE USE CO2 OR SMOTHER WITH DRY POWDER.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID
HANDLING AND STORAGE
LEAD & LEAD COMPOUNDS
Lead and Lead compounds are classified as being potentially toxic.
The lead and lead compounds are we;; cpntained within the battery and the possibility of lead exposure is negligible. However the battery cells should not be dismantled under any circumstances.
Small amounts of arsenic and antimony are present in certain types of battery, and during the charging process there is a chance that stibine and arsenic may be given off as gases.
The concentration of the gases are negligible and do not present any risk to health .
Guidance notes are available from Health and Safety Executive on Stibine and Arsenic (E.H.11 and E.H.12)
EMERGENCY FIRST AID
INHALATION Remove from exposure, rest and keep warm. Obtain medical attention immediately.
EYE CONTACT Wash out with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain URENT medical attention.
SKIN CONTACT Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash affected skin with plenty of water . Obtain medical attention.
INGESTION If the electrolyte has been confined to the mouth give large quantities of water as mouth wash ensuring that it is not swallowed.
If electrolyte has been swallowed , give water to drink immediately.
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING . OBTAIN URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION.
BURNS Apply sterile bandage. Obtain medical attention.
SPILLAGE OF ELECTROLYTE
Wear Protective clothing. A rubber or PVC apron with bib, rubber or PVC gloves and face visor.
Neutralise with alkali (soda ash, sodium carbonate , sodium bicarbonate) washed down with water and scrubbed with a hard broom
ALL SPILLAGES MUST BE CONTAINED - DO NOT ALLOW TO ENTER MAIN DRAINAGE
If electrolyte has entered a water course or sewer or contaminated soil or vegetation, your local Environmental Agency Office should be advised.
PRODUCT SAFETY DATA
PRODUCT Lead acid electric storage batteries filled with dilute sulphuric acid
TECHNICAL NAME Lead Acid Accumulator
COMPONENTS Lead
Lead Dioxide
Lead Sulphate
Sulphuric Acid (Max Strength of 40%)
HAZARDOUS CLASSIFICATION (Batteries filled with liquid electrolyte) Corrosive Group 8
U.N NUMBER 2794
PACKING GROUP 3
TYPE OF CONTAINER Polypropylene