Battery Safety Precautions
Electrolyte Safety:
• In the event that skin or clothing is exposed to battery acid, neutralize the acid by covering the area with baking soda or a mixture of household ammonia and water. Immediately following, rinse the affected area with clean water.
• If the acid should get into the eye, hold the eye open and flush the eye with clean, cool water for 15 minutes. Contact emergency medical officials right away.
• Should acid be ingested, swallow excess amounts of clean water or milk. After, drink milk of magnesia and contact poison control or emergency medical professionals. DO NOT VOMIT.
RISK OF EXPLOSION:
• The gases released from all lead acid batteries have the potential to be explosive.
• Do not expose the battery to anything that may ignite the battery such as sparks, cigarettes or open flames.
• To minimize risk of potential injury, always where protective gear such as goggles, gloves and face shields when working around a battery.
• Never lean over a battery while in use whether you are charging, jumping or connecting/disconnecting the battery.
• Circuit terminals on the battery are always conducting currents. Never try to create a spark by breaking or tampering with the battery terminals.
• When jumping or installing a battery, make sure the cables are in good working condition as a poor connection could result in an electrical arc.
Battery Charging:
• Batteries should only be charged in open, ventilated areas.
• Turn the battery charger to the off position before the charger comes in contact with the battery.
• Connect the appropriate cable colors to the appropriate terminals. Red for positive and blue/black for negative.
• Disconnect the battery from the vehicle before charging. Failure to do so may result in the failure of the vehicle’s electrical network grid.
• Never disconnect the battery leads from the charge during the charging process as a spark may result and cause damage or explosion.