4 Safety Tips to Know When Working with Batteries

If your lead-acid battery is flooded, you can easily handle the maintenance process on your own; however, there are safety precautions that you should be conversant with. Many people are injured while working with batteries.

To ensure such accidents won’t pose a major issue, you should adhere to the following safety tips:

1.    Get Rid of Any Source of Flames or Sparks

When a lead-acid battery is charging, it usually produces oxygen and hydrogen. As you handle the maintenance, the gases can easily ignite when there is a flame or spark around. The battery will then explode, and you’ll end up being injured.

2.    Be Cautious When Removing the Lead-Acid Battery

The batteries are pretty heavy, and some people get injured while moving or lifting the batteries. A battery carrier usually comes in handy. If you don’t have one, you should ensure you have a good grip. Also, you should be strong enough such that you can lift the battery without struggling as much.

3.    Make Sure You’re Using the Correct Type of Charger

There are different chargers in the market, and you should ensure you’re using the right one. Also, some chargers don’t work effectively. You should refer to the recommendations by the manufacturer to learn more about how you can charge the battery properly while ensuring you’ve maximized the battery life. The battery should also be charged in an area that is well ventilated. You can buy brand new uniden cordless phone BT-446 battery from Aussiestock.

4.    Ensure You’re Wearing Protective Equipment

For the flooded lead-acid batteries, the electrolyte has sulfuric acid, and it can damage your clothes and burn your skin. If your skin comes into contact with sulfuric acid, you should wash the affected area immediately. If the acid has come into contact with your eyes, you should wash your eyes using water for at least 15 minutes. You should also seek medical attention immediately.

Additional tips to consider include:

a.    Ensure Metallic Objects are Kept Away

When a metallic object gets into contact with the battery terminals, there is the risk of arching. Jewelry made of gold and silver can also heat up when it comes into contact with the battery terminals. You should wear gloves and make use of insulated tools while removing the terminals.

b.    Ensure You Have a Neutralizing Solution

Mix some baking soda with water since it helps to neutralize the sulfuric acid. The solution should be close such that if the sulfuric acid slips accidentally, you can clean the area fast and rinse using water.

3.    The Electrolyte Should Be Maintained at Correct Levels

When filling the batteries, you should not use a garden hose. You’re only supposed to use deionized or distilled water. While filling the batteries, you should use a watering system that is automated. You should be keen to ensure the water does not go beyond the level indicator. After the battery has recharged fully, the water level should be brought up at least a quarter-inch from the bottom. A low cell should not be filled before charging.

Final Thoughts

You should be careful when working with a battery. We have mentioned some tips that will come in handy as you handle the maintenance process. Ensure you’ve adhered to each of these tips, and you won’t incur any issues when working with batteries.