Working with powersport batteries poses various hazards including potentially explosive gases and corrosive sulphuric acid. The following powersport battery safety guide will help you safely keep these hazards under control.
Proper Clothing
Always wear a face shield or safety goggles and wear quality plastic gloves to prevent acid burns. An apron or smock will help protect your clothes.
Working With Acid
Clean up acid spills immediately using a water and baking soda solution to neutralize (1Ib. baking soda in 1 gallon of water).
Make sure the acid container is clearly marked and the work area is well lit and well-ventilated.
If sulfuric acid is swallowed or splashed in the eyes, treat immediately. Sulfuric acid in the eyes can cause blindness. Serious internal injuries or death can result if swallowed. Sulfuric acid can burn the skin.
Antidotes
For acid on the skin, flush with water.
If acid is swallowed drink large quantities of milk or water, followed by milk of magnesia, vegetable oil or beaten eggs. Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison control centre or doctor immediately.
For acid in the eyes, flush for several minutes with water and seek immediate medical attention.
Charging Safety
When charging conventional batteries, loosen vent caps and ventilate charging area. A build up of hydrogen and oxygen in the battery or in the charging area can create an explosion hazard.
If the battery feels hot to the touch during charging, STOP. Allow the battery to cool before charging again. Heat damages the plates, and a battery that is too hot can explode. NEVER put the red sealing cap back on the battery once you take it off. If you do, gases will become trapped and could explode.
Make sure the vent tube isn’t kinked or blocked. Otherwise, gases could build up and explode.
Properly connect the charger to the battery: positive charger lead to positive battery post and negative charger lead to negative battery post. Unplug the charger or turn it off before you disconnect the leads, which will cut down on the chance of sparks.
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, SPARKS OR FLAMES AROUND CHARGING BATTERIES. Charging gives off hydrogen and oxygen, which explode if ignited.
Battery Disposal
Please dispose of your old battery carefully and thoughtfully. Batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead which can harm the environment; as such they should not be disposed of in your normal garbage. There are many centres that will be happy to recycle your old battery for you. For details of recycling please visit our Battery Recycling page.
