Electrical - Lead Acid Battery Handling Precautions
Title Safety Precautions When Working With Lead Acid Batteries
Ref No US24188.1.1 en-GB
Issuer -
Partner 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America
Func Group 3110 Func Desc battery
Status Released
Status Date 2011-01-21
Issue Date 2011-01-19
Reference
1982 Volvo 240 L4-2127cc 2.1L SOHC B21F Copyright ? 2013, ALLDATA 10.52SS Page 29
Attachment
Vehicle Type
CSC
DTC
Text
DESCRIPTION:
Lead acid batteries that are in common use in most automotive applications can be dangerous it net handled properly in the workshop. Charging a
Lead acid battery either from the vehicle's charging system or an external charger will produce Oxygen and Hydrogen gas. Oxygen is formed at the
positive plate and hydrogen at the negative plate. Hydrogen gas when mixed with oxygen in the right concentration will produce an extremely
explosive mixture. Battery explosions can be violent and may cause serious burns from the sulfuric acid mixture contained within the cells if the
case bursts.
See TJ24188 attachment. pdf for an example of a battery that has exploded.
All batteries are equipped with ventilation systems to minimize the hydrogen concentration around the battery but there is still a risk of these
explosive gases concentrating around the battery when servicing the vehicle. Therefore if a battery's ventilation system is blocked improperly
installed or if the battery case is cracked there is a possibility that the hydrogen/oxygen mixture may be concentrated around the top of the battery
case. It is important to note that Hydrogen is lighter than air. This mixture can therefore be ignited from the resultant spark of a disconnected
battery terminal or any other ignition source.
SERVICE:
To avoid serious injury always observe the following precautions when working around lead acid batteries:
^ ALWAYS wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working around batteries
^ Know where the closest eye station is located in your shop
^ Always provide for proper ventilation in the battery containment area
^ Keep metal tools and jewelry away from an exposed battery to avoid short circuiting the terminals.
^ Inspect for defective cables, loose connections, corroded cable connectors or battery terminals, cracked cases or covers, loose hold-down clamps
and deformed or loose terminal post before a disconnection occurs.
^ Always ensure that the vehicle ignition is OFF and the car is in Sleep mode on later model Volvo products or the current drain is as small as
possible before making any disconnection. Disconnecting circuits where there is current flow will cause a spark.
^ If a case is cracked or there is excessive corrosion around the terminal, make the disconnection as far away from the battery as possible. If
necessary, first disconnect the ground from the chassis and engine termination and not the battery end. This will keep the spark as far as possible
from a gassing battery.
^ When connecting a battery charger or an external power supply, always make the positive connection at the battery B+ terminal first and then the
negative connection at the chassis or engine ground as far away from the battery as possible.
^ If acid gets into your eyes, flush immediately with water for 15 minutes, and then promptly seek medical attention.
^ If acid gets on your skin, rinse the affected area immediately with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention if the chemical burns appear to
be a second degree or greater.
Please also see VIDA/Information/Product specifications/Design and Function/Battery for more detailed information on battery design.
1982 Volvo 240 L4-2127cc 2.1L SOHC B21F Copyright ? 2013, ALLDATA 10.52SS Page 30
NOTES
1. Battery posts terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
2. In case of leak spill ignition or explosion refer to the material data safety sheet (MSDS) and follow appropriate workplace safety procedures.
3. If you need to dispose of lead acid or any other type of batteries please ensure that they are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner or in
accordance with your local town municipally recycling procedures.
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