subject: Car Battery Chargers - 10 Safety Tips [print this page] 1.) Be sure to use the car battery charger in a well-ventilated place. Potentially explosive flammable gas is formed during the process of charging and ventilation stops it from building up to dangerous levels.
2.) Avoid smoking or having anything with a flame in the vicinity of the battery during the charging. Also keep anything which may spark (electrical appliances or electric motor) a safe distance from the battery.
3.) Metallic tools must be kept from touching across the positive and negative battery connection posts. You should also avoid the tools touching the engine or bodywork and the connection posts at the same time.
4.) When using a car battery charger, it is good practice to connect the charging cables to the battery terminals before switching the charger on. This will avoid any sparking which may ignite flammable gas from the battery.
5.) Ensure that you have read the instruction booklet which came with the charger, and follow all instructions carefully. If the instructions have been lost, get a replacement copy from the manufacturer.
6.) Safety eye protection and acid-proof gloves must always be worn when opening the cells of the battery for checking the electrolyte or topping up with water. Battery acid can burn skin and eyes, so great care is advisable when opening the battery.
7.) When you open the cells of the battery it is advisable to keep some water close by. It may come in useful for flushing your skin or your eyes should they get splashed by acid.
8.) A discharged car battery may freeze if the weather is cold enough. If you suspect that the battery may have frozen, you need to let it defrost otherwise it may rupture and start to leak acid.
9.) Try to use the car battery charger on the lowest possible Amp setting. This will help to extend the battery life and avoid overheating the battery.
10.) Site the charger as far as possible from the car battery. You should also keep pets and people out of the area where you are charging.
