Safety Tips While Handling the Battery

Whenever you are handling or working with a lead-acid battery, consult your vehicle and battery owners’ manual for instructions and safety precautions. Lead-acid batteries contain hydrogen-oxygen gases that can be explosive. Also, the sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns. To help avoid risk of danger and injury, observe these precautions while handling or working with a lead-acid battery.

1. No smoking, sparks, naked flames or welding in close proximity to battery charging.
2. Ensure battery cover is open during charging.
3. Keep vent caps on during charging.
4. Always switch charger off before disconnecting battery.
5. Never unplug battery by pulling leads, always hold plug.
6. Always allow charger to complete charge cycle.
7. Ensure battery top is clean and dry at all times.
8. Never discharge battery below 80% of its rated capacity.
9. Always allow appropriate cooling period for battery.
10. Inspect battery, leads and plugs for damage, report any faults immediately.
11. If no auto equalise charge, ensure battery is equalised at least once a month.
12. During discharge the electrolyte is absorbed into the plates, this effect is reversed when the battery is charged. If the battery is topped up at any stage other than fully charged you risk the battery spilling acid out during the next charge/charges. The reason we top up batteries is to replace the liquid that has evaporated during the charge cycles, not replace the liquid that has been absorbed into the plates during discharge.