23 Jun Time to Charge your Battery

Time to Charge Your Battery

Battery charging and servicing can expose workers to several serious hazards, including explosive hydrogen gas, corrosive electrolyte, electrical shorts, and lifting injuries. Whether charging, servicing, removing, or jump-starting a lead-acid battery, use the proper procedures and personal protective equipment.

Guide for Discussion

Fire and Explosion Prevention

Lead-acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas, particularly during charging. Hydrogen is highly flammable and can ignite from a spark, flame, cigarette, electrical arc, or other ignition source.

• Charge batteries only in adequately ventilated areas.
• Keep sparks, flames, smoking materials, and other ignition sources away from batteries.
• Never place metal tools or other conductive objects on top of a battery. Contact between terminals, or between a positive terminal and ground, can cause a short circuit, burns, or an explosion.
• Inspect batteries for cracks, leaks, damaged terminals, or other defects before servicing or charging.
• Follow the battery and charger manufacturer’s instructions.

Jump-Starting a Battery

Use caution when connecting jumper cables. Incorrect connections can produce sparks, damage electrical systems, or cause a battery to rupture or explode.

Before jump-starting:

• Turn off electrical accessories and unnecessary equipment.
• Verify that the batteries and electrical systems are compatible.
• Inspect the battery. Do not attempt to jump-start a visibly damaged, leaking, or frozen battery.
• Keep your face and body away from the top of the battery.
• Use jumper cables designed and rated for the application.
• Follow the vehicle and battery manufacturer’s jump-starting procedure.

For a typical negative-ground vehicle, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise:

1. Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
3. Connect the negative (–) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
4. Make the final connection to an approved grounding point or clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle with the discharged battery, away from the battery itself.

Making the final connection away from the battery helps keep any resulting spark away from hydrogen that may have accumulated around the battery.

Eye and Skin Protection

Battery electrolyte contains corrosive sulfuric acid that can cause serious burns and permanent eye injuries.

• Wear appropriate safety goggles or other required eye protection when servicing batteries.
• Wear a face shield over safety glasses or goggles when there is a significant splash or explosion hazard.
• Wear acid-resistant gloves and other protective clothing when exposure to electrolyte is possible.
• Avoid touching your face or eyes while working with batteries.
• Immediately flush exposed skin or eyes with plenty of clean water if electrolyte contact occurs and follow established emergency procedures.
• Know the location of emergency eyewash and flushing facilities before beginning work.

Charging Batteries Safely

Before connecting or disconnecting a battery charger:

• Verify that the charger is compatible with the battery.
• Inspect charger leads, clamps, cables, and connections for damage.
• Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and settings.
• Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Keep vent openings unobstructed.
• Turn the charger off before making or breaking connections unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically provide otherwise.
• Never bypass charger safety devices or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery.

Safe Battery Handling

Lead-acid batteries can be heavy and awkward to handle.

• Use a battery carrier, lifting device, or other suitable handling aid when available.
• Get assistance when the battery is too heavy or awkward to handle safely.
• Maintain a secure grip and keep the battery upright.
• Avoid twisting while lifting or carrying.
• Keep the load close to your body and use proper material-handling techniques.

Remember

A battery may appear harmless, but it can contain corrosive electrolyte, produce explosive hydrogen gas, and deliver enough electrical current to cause severe burns or other injuries. Keep ignition sources away, use proper PPE, follow manufacturer instructions, and use the correct charging, servicing, and jump-starting procedures.