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Lead-acid batteries contain layers of lead plates immersed in sulfuric acid. Lead-acid batteries can produce explosive gasses. The vent caps allow these gasses to escape during charging. Batteries should only be handled in well ventilated areas by trained and authorized personnel.
When talking about lead-acid batteries, people usually call sulfuric acid "battery acid" or the "electrolyte". An electrolyte is general term used to describe a non-metallic substance like acids such as sulfuric acid or salts that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
Batteries can weigh about 14 to 27 kg (30 to 60 lb) or more so use a battery carrier to lift a battery whenever possible. Alternatively, ask for help, or place hands at opposite corners and practice safe lifting and carrying procedures to prevent back injuries.
If the eyes are splashed with acid,
If the skin is splashed with acid,
Work areas when working with or charging batteries should:
Yes, hydrogen gas is produced during normal battery operation. This easily ignitable gas can escape through the battery vents and may form an explosive mixture in the atmosphere around the battery if ventilation is poor.
Sparks created from booster or jumper cables can ignite a flammable mixture of hydrogen in air causing an explosion.
Before using jumper cables:
WARNING:
When connecting or disconnecting jumper cables, use extreme care when handling the clamps.
Do not allow cables to touch each other, nor to touch the frame or body of either vehicle to prevent sparks that can cause an explosion.
The vehicle is NEGATIVELY grounded when the cable attached to the NEGATIVE post of the "dead" battery is also attached to the engine block.
To connect cables:
To disconnect cables:
The vehicle is POSITIVELY grounded when the cable attached to the POSITIVE post of the "dead" battery is also attached to the engine block.
To connect cables:
To disconnect cables: