Batteries demand lots of caution when you work around them or move
them. They are very heavy, store enough energy to start a fire, are
full of dangerous sulfuric acid, and emit explosive hydrogen gas.
Fun stuff, eh? Here are some safety tips for working with your batteries.
Note: These safety precautions are for standard lead-acid batteries,
since nickel-cadmium batteries use a base--potassium hydroxide--instead
of sulfuric acid for an electrolyte. Follow the manufacturers instructions
instead of these with your NiCad batteries.
Install your batteries in a vented battery box, they emit hydrogen gas
when charging
Never install electrical equipment in the same compartment as batteries
due to explosive hydrogen gas
No smoking around batteries for the same reason
Wrap wrench handles in electrical tape to avoid shorting between battery
terminals. A 6-volt golf cart battery can turn a wrench red hot in
seconds
Wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect yourself from sulfuric acid when
moving or working on batteries
Keep a box of baking soda and a jug of water around to neutralize any spilled
battery acid
If you get acid on your skin, flush with lots of water
In case of acid in your eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and call
a doctor
Make sure someone else is around when you work on or move batteries
