subject: What You Should Know About Using A Lead Acid Battery Charger [print this page] While most owners and operators of heavy machinery know that having a well charged lead acid battery helps to keep their machinery operating efficiently they often don't think of the importance of charging these batteries safely. However, there are risks associated with using a lead acid battery charger that must be taken into consideration.
The important thing is doing everything you can to reduce the risks for yourself and employees. Here are a few tips on what you can do to reduce the risks of charging your batteries:
Only Charge Your Batteries in a Well Ventilated Area
During the charging process lead acid batteries generate both oxygen and hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is a highly explosive gas and a heavy concentration can cause an explosion that can injure or kill people and destroy property. Make sure that the area where you are using the lead acid battery charger is well ventilated. Large amounts of fresh air will help lower the levels of hydrogen gas to a safe level.
Keep All Open Flames Out Of the Charging Area
Never use welding or other torches in the area near a charging battery, and don't allow anyone to smoke near it either. Making sure there are no sparks or open flames in the area will help to keep everyone safe and prevent the possibility of explosion and fire.
Wear Protective Clothing
Although it may seem to be overdoing it a bit to wear protective clothing when handling or charging lead acid batteries, it is actually a very smart thing to do. They may leak sulphuric acid at times and this acid is capable of severely burning skin that it touches as well as causing internal damage if inhaled or splashed in the eyes.
Protective clothing should include protective eye wear, a mask, gloves and a protective apron. While these batteries may not leak often, a single leak can pose a significant risk to anyone unlucky enough to get splashed or touch the sulphuric acid. If acid does happen to get onto your skin or in your eyes rinse immediately with warm water for 30 minutes and seek medical care.
Keep Charging Equipment in Good Repair
Make sure you keep all your charging equipment in good repair. Poor charging equipment will result in an improperly charged battery which will shorten its life and can in certain circumstances create undue risks to anyone using this equipment. Using compressed air to occasionally blow out the equipment will help to keep it clean making for better connections.
Make sure that everyone in your employ understands the risks associated with charging batteries and adheres to all safety measures can significantly reduce those risks. This allows you and your employees to charge the batteries properly and safely while ensuring that your batteries have the longest service life possible and continue to function at peak capacity.
